All posts tagged Choirs

“This sense of freedom, this new opportunity, this cleaner world, has been purchased for us at the cost of life”

Jerusalem was sung at the dedication of the war memorial in Maidenhead Congregational (now United Reformed) Church.

November 1919
THE WAR MEMORIAL.

On Sunday evening, Nov. 2nd, a Special Service will be held at 6.30 in grateful and reverent memory of our young men who gave their lives in the Great War. The tablet will be unveiled by Mr. Lewis, who will also preach a sermon suitable to the occasion. We hope to see present every member of the Church and Congregation who is not unavoidably prevented.

December 1919
THE MEMORIAL BRASS.

The Brass Tablet erected to the memory of our young men who fell in the Great War was formally unveiled at the Sunday Evening Service, Nov. 2nd. There was a large congregation. The Minister was supported on the rostrum by the Deacons of the Church. The anthem was, “If we believe that Jesus died and rose again,” and the choir sang as a voluntary, Parry’s setting of Blake’s inspiring verses, which declare –

“We will not cease from mental strife,
Nor shall the sword sleep in our hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England’s green and pleasant land.”

Mr. Lewis took for his text, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He said that the cause for which our young friends had laid down their lives was great and worthy, and concluded,

“Let us remember that we are those for whom lives have been laid down. This sense of freedom, this new opportunity, this cleaner world, has been purchased for us at the cost of life. That we might live our lives safely, without being tyrannized over by coarse and godless men, free to develop our own life in the way that seems highest to us, men have suffered and died. Now all life must be more sacred to us. This dear England must be more sacred. It is because Christ has been denied the right to control the life of the nations that the great sorrows yet will come (for there are evils infinitely greater than war and death), if we will not strive to set right the life of the land, according to His mind and will. We don’t belong to ourselves any more, for Christ bought us long ago, and we have been bought again by British soldiers for the service of our brother men. May we be worthy of all that has been done for us.”

The brass is a splendid piece of workmanship, and has been greatly admired. It was executed by a London firm, to the order of Mr Hews.


Maidenhead Congregational magazine, November and December 1919 (D/N33/12/1/5)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 2 November, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Enemy nations and individuals, Hopes and prayers: the religious response, Never forget: remembering the war, Patriotic fervour, Roll of honour: the war dead
Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 2 November, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/this-sense-of-freedom-this-new-opportunity-this-cleaner-world-has-been-purchased-for-us-at-the-cost-of-life/

“They have served their country in the Army”

Two soldiers returned to their home church.

We were very pleased to welcome back into the choir, on October 9th, two of our old boys – Walter Pemberton and Arthur Light, both of whom have served their country in the Army.

Newbury parish magazine, November 1919 (D/P89/28A/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 9 October, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Hopes and prayers: the religious response, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 9 October, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/10/09/they-have-served-their-country-in-the-army/

Now that the war is over a burden has been lifted from many hearts

Another opportunity to celebrate the peace.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

It is proposed to hold the usual Harvest Festival Thanksgiving Services on Sunday, September 28th, when special music, appropriate to the occasion, will be rendered by the Church Choir.

The Harvest Festival is always a glad day… Now that the war is over a burden has been lifted from many hearts, and this should give us all increased cause for gratitude and praise….

Reading Broad Street Congregational Magazine, September 1919 (D/N11/12/1/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 28 September, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Hopes and prayers: the religious response, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 28 September, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/09/28/now-that-the-war-is-over-a-burden-has-been-lifted-from-many-hearts/

The first treat since War broke out

The Choir trip took place on September 24, and a right merry party journeyed to Southsea by the Venture. It was the first treat since War broke out. In addition to the Choir offertory on Whitsunday a few friends gave generous help and bade us have a good time, and we did!

Remenham parish magazine, October 1919 (D/P99/28A/5)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 September, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 September, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/09/24/the-first-treat-since-war-broke-out/

Cards of welcome to all sailors and soldiers who have been demobilised

Earley men were welcomed home.

Short Notes

The men’s association has been active in sending out about 100 cards of welcome to all sailors and soldiers who have been demobilised. This involved a good deal of inquiry and care. Now they are following up this by a proposal to entertain such as are able and willing to come to tea and sports on the vicarage lawn on Aug 30th or the first week of September. To do this, a committee of ladies is being appointed, also for the sports a committee of men themselves. An appeal for the provision of the tea and gifts in kind will be made later, and there is little doubt of a generous response to this. Any immediate promises of help in this way will be welcomed by the Vicar or Mr T R Stevens.

We offer a welcome home to Mr William Long after four years and three months absence in Egypt. Mr Long served in the Army Service Corps, and is now set free. His return to Reading gives us the pleasure of having him back in the choir, where with alto Mr Leslie Grinstead his presence will be much valued.


Earley St Bartholomew parish magazine, August 1919 (D/P192/28A/15)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 22 August, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front, New opportunities and other changes for Berkshire's women
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 22 August, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/cards-of-welcome-to-all-sailors-and-soldiers-who-have-been-demobilised/

Demobilization has helped the singing wonderfully

Choristers returned from the front.

The Choir

Demobilization has helped the singing wonderfully at all services. It is delightful to have the men’s choir seats filled full again. A summer party for the choir is also again possible. The men hope to go up the river on July 10th, and the boys something of the same sort when August comes.

Stratfield Mortimer parish magazine, July 1919 (D/P120/28A/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 10 July, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Children and the war, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 10 July, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/demobilization-has-helped-the-singing-wonderfully/

“Now that we are once again at peace we are glad to see this custom revived”

Park Place was actually in the Berkshire parish of Remenham.

CHOIR OUTING

Without any complaints, the members of our Choir have foregone their annual excursion during the years of war, and now that we are once again at peace we are glad to see this custom revived. On July 9th, at 9.30 am, a party, numbering 37, left the Tilehurst landing stage on board the steam-launch “Mystery”, bound for Park Place, Henley [sic].

Tilehurst Congregational Church section of Reading Broad Street Congregational Magazine, August 1919 (D/N11/12/1/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 9 July, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 9 July, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/now-that-we-are-once-again-at-peace-we-are-glad-to-see-this-custom-revived/

The boys have had no Summer treat during the War

After years of privation, life was getting back to normal.

On Whit-Sunday [8 June] our offertory will be for the Choir Fund: the boys have had no Summer treat during the War, but this year we hope to arrange an outing for them. Will the congregation kindly keep the object in mind?

Remenham parish magazine, June 1919 (D/P99/28A/5)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 8 June, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Children and the war, Life on the Home Front
Tagged ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 8 June, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/06/08/the-boys-have-had-no-summer-treat-during-the-war/

In memory of the men of the Albert Works who fell in the War

The Albert Steam Joinery, run by local firm Elliotts, had sent many of its workers to the war.

A well-attended service was held on May 24th, in memory of the men of the Albert Works who fell in the War, and when the new carved Litany Desk is presented by the Works was dedicated. It is a very handsome piece of work. Mrs Clifford Phillips sang “I know that my Redeemer liveth”, and “The Last Post” and the “Reveille” were sounded by two Buglers from Reading. The choir was present, and Mr Liddle played several appropriate pieces on the organ. We were glad to see a number of the employees of the Works present.

Newbury parish magazine, July 1919 (D/P89/28A/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 May, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front, Never forget: remembering the war, New opportunities and other changes for Berkshire's women, Roll of honour: the war dead
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 May, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/in-memory-of-the-men-of-the-albert-works-who-fell-in-the-war/

A cordial welcome home to our demobilised soldiers,

Vicar’s Letter

We all offer a cordial welcome home to our demobilised soldiers, notably Mr Albert Rider, Mr Fred Rider, Mr Ernest Jupe, Mr Ernest Bryant (who, to our great joy, is returning to the choir of which he was once a leading voice), Mr Reginald Sturgess, Mr O West and Mr Goodson (already in their old place in the choir), Mr Aubrey Grinsted, Mr Stanley Hayward, Mr Frank Ellis, Mr Augustus Love, Mr Leslie Grinsted, Mr George Turnbull and others. We are very glad to see them again.

Short Notes

The Vicar is trying to compile a list of all the demobilised soldiers and sailors who have returned to our parish. He will be very glad of the names and address of any such, if anyone will kindly give him information.

Earley St Bartholomew parish magazine, March 1919 (D/P192/28A/15)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 4 March, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 4 March, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/03/04/a-cordial-welcome-home-to-our-demobilised-soldiers/

At least we may hope that the bloodshed is past, and that the Peace terms may help to right the many wrongs committed

What would a post-war world look like, many wondered.

My dear friends,

We open our New Year with hearts relieved of the heavy anxiety which all of us felt at the dawn of the year past. At least we may hope that the bloodshed is past, and that the Peace terms may help to right the many wrongs committed.

But our victory, so largely brought about by the English speaking nations, lays upon those nations no light responsibility. How wide and how deep that responsibility will be, and into what spheres it will penetrate, is something one can more easily feel than formulate into words. We may take it for granted that things which had grown old are now becoming new, and that those things which were cast down are now being raised up; and that all things are returning to perfection, through Him from whom they took their origin.

Statesmen are of one accord that the world must be built up on new lines. Are they inspired with the truth that perfection cannot lie apart from Jesus Christ? We have seen a pagan efficiency brought down with a run. The years 1914-18 are pages of history which may well make Statebuilders think. Where Christ was banished, there lay already the germ of failure. The worship of power and wealth has brought a proud nation to its knees before a horror-struck and outraged world. Is this nothing to us who wield perhaps the greatest influence since the days of the old Roman Empire?

But it is more about matters at home I am concerned. If a league of nations is possible beyond our Empire, surely it is possible to be at home as a city at unity in itself. Class differences in outlook perhaps there always will be, but class antagonisms are mutually suicidal. If we could learn to respect each other’s outlook, and help that so far as the outlook is just and right, England could be a happier, more united country. God has given us such proof of His confidence that He has given us this victory. Let us begin by being at least just at home.

And it is in the spiritual sphere also that the consequences of victory is to be felt. We see the stirring of conscience in religious bodies that disunion and schism are not the Mind of Christ. These Bodies are not to be brought into unity piecemeal. The resulting bitterness of individual conversion only makes the antagonisms worse. I do not think we as Christians sufficiently realise the loss to Christ through conflicting Christianity; and we should be prepared to make any concession to those separated from us as does not involve a breach with the true Catholic Church of Christ. Just as prejudice is not to be allowed to stand in the way of England’s reconstruction, neither should it stand in the way of the reconstruction of the Church….
One fallacy which has been exploded by the war was that unity by command meant the sacrifice of national independence. We now know that diversity of effort meant playing into the enemy’s hand. The English army had its part to play, as the English Church will always have her part to play; and the English army suffered no loss of prestige or national self-determination because it correlated its effort with the armies of the allied forces under a supreme command. It has been a great lesson, and one which can be so pointedly applied…

The coming year must be full of matters of deep moment. I pray God that we may meet it under His guidance.

We owe a debt of thanks to Mr Self Fowles for the great help he has given as a temporary choirmaster. He has given himself heart and soul to the work, and has been loyally backed up by the choir. His heart is in the Church, and we hope that he may find a sphere as congenial to him as All Souls has been. Mr Clarke will resume his place at the organ at once, and he will receive a hearty welcome back from many old friends.

The cost of Magazines has again risen. We do not propose to raise the price, but we hope that those who can afford it will raise the sum they usually pay for the year. As the Magazine has been in existence for 23 years the vicar has determined to continue it; but it was after some hesitation.

Your affectionate priest and friend,

Barrington B. Murray

South Ascot Parochial magazine, January 1919 (D/P186/28A/19)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 25 January, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Enemy nations and individuals, Hopes and prayers: the religious response, Life on the Home Front
Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 25 January, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/01/25/at-least-we-may-hope-that-the-bloodshed-is-past-and-that-the-peace-terms-may-help-to-right-the-many-wrongs-committed/

Carols for blinded soldiers

Wokingham carol singers collected money for soliders blinded in the war, and their children.

Blinded Soldiers.

The outcome of the Carol Singing has been very satisfactory, and the Choir hope to hand over £20 or so as the fruit of their efforts. Such a result has of course entailed the expenditure of considerable time and trouble, which however has been given most ungrudgingly by all the members. We congratulate them on their success. Needless to say, the generous contributions and kindly welcome everywhere received have greatly added to the pleasure of their good work.

For the children of Blinded Soldiers, nearly £10 has been contributed by means of Xmas Dinner Table envelopes.

Wokingham St Sebastian parish magazine, January 1919 (D/P154C/28A/1)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 January, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front, News from the Front: the grim reality of war
Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 January, 2019

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2019/01/24/carols-for-blinded-soldiers/

“Beginning again in the dark”

There was great sympathy for soldiers’ whose war wounds had left them blind.

FOR ST DUNSTAN’S

We have done a good many generous things as a church, but it is doubtful if we ever responded quite so well as when we helped the cause of the Blinded Soldiers and Sailors during the Christmas season. Starting in quite a modest way with the suggestion that our choir should provide a carol service in the evening of Christmas Sunday [28 December 1918], the plans gathered sympathy, until they included a United Carol Service in the Village Hall on the Sunday evening referred to, a collection at the Watch-night service, and a special gathering of personal donations from members of our church and congregation. By this means £10 3s. 4d. was raised for those “beginning again in the dark”. We recognise that this was a united effort, and do not take the credit to ourselves, but we do appreciate the kindly sympathy that our folks showed in both subscribing to and organising such a fund.

Tilehurst Congregational Church section of Reading Broad Street Congregational Magazine, February 1919 (D/N11/12/1/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 28 December, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Hopes and prayers: the religious response, Life on the Home Front, Nursing the wounded, Supporting the troops
Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 28 December, 2018

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2018/12/28/beginning-again-in-the-dark/

A foretaste of the judgment of Christ falling upon a nation which would have none of Him

Celebrations at Ascot were not dimmed by the failure of the electric supply in the middle of the service.

Advent, 1918

My dear friends,

It is with the most profound relief that I am able this year to address to you the Advent letter with the good hope of restored peace. We must feel that Advent has taken on a new meaning for us. It has been in a very real sense that Christ has come to the world. We make a mistake if we relegate the word Advent to His Final Coming. We have watched amazed these last few months a foretaste of the judgment of Christ falling upon a nation which would have none of Him. Whatever causes writers of History may attribute to the dramatic collapse of our enemies, those of us who believe in the immediate Rule of Christ over the world he won for Himself will see in that collapse His judgment at work. It was in truth an Advent, a foretaste of what the Final Advent must mean.

But the Advent of Jesus is not just to destroy, it is to build anew. There lies before us a period of intense activity where without His Guidance our efforts can so easily go in the wrong channels. I say with the utmost deep conviction that man unaided is not sufficient for this opportunity. We must aid our statesmen by our prayers. Here at All Souls’ we shall begin Advent with the daily Eucharist restored to the Parish.
…

Our thanksgiving services were marked by a real heartfelt thankfulness on the part of our people. Both morning and evening we paid our debt of honour to all who have served their country on active service, and pleaded for the peace and joy of those who had shown the greatest love which man can show. In the morning the congregation with choir and wardens made a pilgrimage to the Shrine, and in the evening to the Rolls of Honour in the Church. In both cases the simple act of respect and honour proved deeply affecting and impressive. It was greatly appreciated by those who have beloved names on our rolls.

An upsetting incident occurred in the failure in the morning of the electric current which put the organ out of commission in the midst of a hymn. The choir, however, rose well to the occasion, and went on as steady as rocks supported by the congregation who sang with a heartiness we have never heard before. Fortunately, our practice piano was standing in the church, and Mr Fowles was able to keep the choir well supported till the current was restored. It was nevertheless a great day and one which no one will ever forget. The Church had touched the need of the people.

A generous benefaction of £100 has been given to the Parish by Mr F A Keating in memory of his son.

The victory was marked by the gift of a large St George’s Cross Banner to the Church by Lady Radnor. It waved bravely over the Church on Thanksgiving Day. It will enable us to express ourselves on great occasions in the future. It is a great addition to the Tower, and helped to hide its unfinished appearance.


South Ascot Parochial Magazine, 1918 (D/P186/28A/18)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 December, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Enemy nations and individuals, Hopes and prayers: the religious response, Life on the Home Front, Never forget: remembering the war, New opportunities and other changes for Berkshire's women, News from the Front: the grim reality of war, Patriotic fervour, Roll of honour: the war dead
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 December, 2018

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/a-foretaste-of-the-judgment-of-christ-falling-upon-a-nation-which-would-have-none-of-him/

There are no greater tragedies in connection with the war than those of the brave fellows who have come back blinded from the Front

Broad Street Church put on a concert in aid of men blinded at the front.

December

CHOIR CONCERT

On Wednesday evening, December 18th, our choir will hold its twenty-second annual concert. We have been fortunate, by the kind permission of Lieut-Col P. de Dombasle, in securing the Large Town Hall. This year we propose to repeat the concert version of “Tom Jones” (by permission of Messrs Chappell & Co), which was rendered two years ago. This is the sixth concert we have given for war charities, and this year the call for the co-operation of all our friends is more urgent than ever. We propose to devote the proceeds of the concert to St Dunstan’s Hostel, London, where there are many hundreds of our soldiers who have been blinded during the war. Surely this cause is one which will appeal to the heart of everybody. This will be the happiest Christmas that many of us have known for four years; can we not try to make it brighter for those brave fellows, who, away from their own homes, will miss the usual good cheer of Christmastide?


Advertisement

On behalf of our Blinded Heroes

There are no greater tragedies in connection with the war than those of the brave fellows who have come back blinded from the Front, all of them young men who have been deprived of their sight at the very outset of life. We have at St Dunstan’s Hostel, London, many hundreds of thses Blinded Soldiers.

Christmastide will soon be with us. We want to make this Xmas as bright and happy as possible for these brave men. Away from home and relatives, they will sadly miss the usual cheer and comforts. Will you please help to give them something of Xmas gladness in return for what they have so nobly done for us all?

BLINDED FOR YOU, WILL YOU NOT CARE FOR THEM?

Broad Street Congregational Church Choir
22nd Annual Concert, 6th Concert for War Charities

On Wednesday evening, December 18th, 1918, in the Large Town Hall (by kind permission of Lieut-Col P. de Dombasle)

The concert version of German’s Opera “Tom Jones” (by permission of Messrs Chappell & Co) will be rendered by the Choir

Artistes

Mrs E. C. Dracup
Miss M. Phillips
Miss M. Tyrrell
Mr Muir Millar
Mr H. J. Collier
Full Band & Chorus
Leader: Miss Lily Davis, ATCL
Conductor: Mr F. W. Harvey

Tickets: West balcony, three front rows, 3/-; three back rows, 2/4; front area, 2/4. All numbered and reserved.
Unreserved: side balconies and area. 1/3; admission 8d.
May be obtained of Messrs Barnes & Avis, members of the Choir, at at the doors.
Doors open at 7 o’clock. Commence 7.30.

January

CHOIR CONCERT

The concert given by our Church Choir in the Town Hall on Wednesday, December 18th, in aid of our blinded soldiers and sailors at St Dunstan’s, was an unqualified success in every way. As the Berkshire Chronicle said:

“It was gratifying to see such a large audience, not emrely on account of the excellence of the object, but as a recognition of the persevering efforts of the choir, which has done so much to brighten us all up during the depressing period of the war. The performance was also in every way worthy of the large gathering.”

Edward German’s “Tom Jones” was the work presented, and the various solos were most capably rendered by Mrs E. C. Dracup, Miss M. Phillips, Miss Muriel Tyrrell, Mr Muir Millar, and Mr Harry Collier. Valuable assistance was also given by Mr and Mrs G. F. Attwood, Mrs Newbery, Mr waite, and the very efficient orchestra led by Miss Lily Davies, ATCL.

“The choir work maintained a high standard, the chorus singing with fine intelligence and unfailing vivacity; the tone was good and nicely contrasted and the balance well preserved. The work of the orchestra did justice to the inherent beauties of the score.”

We all felt tremendously proud of our choir, and we offer our heartiest congratulations to the conductor (Mr F. W. Harvey) on the accomplishment of another triumph. When the accounts are made up there ought to be a considerable sum for the very worthy object for which the concert was promoted to help.

February

By their concert given in the Town Hall on December 18th, the Church Choir raised the sum of £52 for the blinded soldiers and sailors at St Dunstan’s. This is a highly satisfactory result. Altogether, during the period of the war, the choir has raised in this way over £240 for War Charities. This is a record of which any choir might justly feel proud, and we offer our heartiest congratulations to the conductor, Mr F. W. Harvey, and all who were associated with it.

Reading Broad Street Congregational Magazine, December 1918 -February 1919 (D/N11/12/1/14)

Leave a comment
by berkshirerecordoffice on 18 December, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in After the war, Life on the Home Front, New opportunities and other changes for Berkshire's women, Nursing the wounded, Patriotic fervour, Supporting the troops
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 18 December, 2018

https://berkshirevoiceswwi.wordpress.com/2018/12/18/there-are-no-greater-tragedies-in-connection-with-the-war-than-those-of-the-brave-fellows-who-have-come-back-blinded-from-the-front/

« Older Posts