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 15mins 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’ (Jerusalem)
Abide with me
I vow to thee my country
The Lord’s my shephed
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
Solists 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 peices, as desired.
Recorded Music
St John’s has the facility to play recorded music during the service. An original CD is best as some ‘burned’ or copied formats do not play on our system. If a ‘burned’ CD is to be used, it is important this be played through on our system prior to the service.
Recessional Music
The recessional music is the music 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
The Director of Music at St John’s is Mr Christopher Cook
who may be contacted on accook2001@yahoo.com.au