Music & Hymns
St John’s provides a professional musician (organist) to provide music at all funerals and memorial services in the church. Those arranging the service are invited to have as much input into the selection of the music and hymns as they wish to, and may also arrange for other musicians and vocalists to be involved, in consultation with St John’s.
Music
There is normally music as the congregation gather (for approximately 20 minutes prior to the service commencing), and as the congregation leave (the postlude). There may also be a musical reflection during the service.
Hymns
There may be one or more hymns (usually not more than three).
Some popular hymns:
- Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven
- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
- And did those feet in ancient time (Jerusalem)
- Abide with me
- I vow to thee my country
- The Lord’s my Shepherd
- Guide me O thou great Jehovah
- Eternal Father, strong to save
- Immortal, invisible, God only wise
- Be still my soul
- Make me a channel of your peace
- Thine be the glory
Click here to download our funeral music booklet.
Soloists and the Choir
St John’s has an excellent choir. The full choir, or as many as can be present, or one or more principal soloists, may be engaged to lead the singing of hymns at the service and / or to provide musical items, anthems, or reflective pieces, as desired. This can be discussed directly with the Director of Music.
Recorded Music
Those organising funerals are welcome to request recorded music (on compact disc, phones or media players) be included in the wedding service. All such music must be appropriate for a funeral in the church, be approved by the clergy and be provided by those organising the funeral. St. John’s has the capability to play music from iPhones and compact discs, through the church sound system.
Recessional Music
Music is played as the congregation leave the church, at a funeral following the casket of the deceased. It is an important moment in the ceremony. Some suggestions, for organ, are:
- March from ‘Scipio’ (Handel)
- Largo from ‘Xerxes’ (Handel)
- Nimrod from ‘Enigma variations’ (Elgar)
- Sheep may safely graze (Bach)
Director of Music & Organist
Mr Zachary Hamilton-Russell