10.00 Choral Eucharist (BAS)
O Radix Jesse – plainsong
Addington Service – Shephard
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 This is the record of John – Gibbons
108, 117, 109, 49, 419
March on a Theme of Handel – Guilmant
11 December – Third in Advent
10.00 Choral Eucharist (BCP)
O Rex Gentium – plainsong
Cabena in the Dorian Mode
Psalm 146:4-9 Almighty and everlasting God – Gibbons
111, 270, 375, 48, 306
Toccata – Belier 18 December – Fourth in Advent
10.00 Choral Eucharist (BAS)
O Emmanuel – plainsong
Festive Eucharist – Rawsthorne
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
Blake’s Cradle Song – Vaughan Williams
98, 88, 106, 96, 101
Toccata and Fugue in modo dorico BWV 538 – Bach
4.00 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Once in royal David’s city
Torches – Joubert
Adam lay ybounden – Ord
Ding! Dong! merrily on high – arr. Wood
Resonet in laudibus – Handl
How far is it to Bethlehem? – arr. Willcocks
O little town of Bethlehem
Nova! – Drinkell
In the bleak midwinter – Darke
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Nativity Carol – Rutter
Unto us is born a Son
Bethlehem Down – Warlock
On this day – Haldane Stewart
O come, all ye faithful
Hark! the herald angels sing
Toccata-PreludeVom Himmel hoch – Edmondson
24 December – Christmas Eve
11.00pm Midnight Eucharist of Christmas (BCP)
Ding! Dong! Merrily on high – arr. Wood
Messe de Minuit pour Noël – Charpentier
Psalm 96
Carols
118, 119, 136, 121, 138
Dieu parmi nous – Messiaen
06 November 2016 – Twenty-Fifth after Pentecost – All Saints Sunday – Remembrance
10.00 Choral Eucharist and Holy Baptism
Christ hath a garden – Drinkell
German Mass – Schubert
Psalm 149
O quam gloriosum – Victoria
528, 250, 361, 274, 57, 276
St. Anne Fugue in E flat BWV 552 – Bach
4.00: Choral Evensong
Smith Responses
Psalms 148 and 150
Walmisley in D minor
Give us the wings of faith – Bullock
275, 520, 282
Sarabande in modo elegiaco – Howells
13 November 2016 – Twenty-Sixth after Pentecost
10.00 Choral Eucharist (BCP)
Cast thy burden upon the Lord – Mendelssohn
Darke in F
Psalm 98 And I saw a new heaven – Bainton
370, 515, 527, 76, 535
Sonata No. 1 (1st mve.) – Mendelssohn
20 November 2016 – Last after Pentecost – The Reign of Christ
10.00 Choral Eucharist (BAS)
O praise God in his holiness – Weldon
Festive Eucharist – Rawsthorne
Benedictus O taste and see – Vaughan Williams
184, 606, 374, 48, 602
Exurgat Deus – Hurford
27 November 2016 – First Sunday of Advent
10.00 Choral Eucharist and Great Litany (BCP)
Wood in the Phrygian Mode
Psalm 122
How beautiful upon the mountains – Stainer
112, 99, 116, 52, 110
Passacaglia in C minor BWV 532 – Bach
4.00 Advent Procession
The Great O Antiphons of Advent
Matin Responsory – after Palestrina
O come, O come, Emmanuel
The Truth from above – arr. Vaughan Williams
There is a flower springing – Praetorius
Hills of the North, rejoice!
Rejoice in the Lord alway – Anon. 16th cent.
‘Twas in the year – arr. Wood
On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Vesper Responsory – after Praetorius
Lo! He comes, with clouds descending
Litanies – Alain
The congregation of Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton welcomed David Drinkell as director of music in July. He comes among us with his wife, Elspeth. The Cathedral has valued a high standard of music in the past and we are pleased that with David’s expertise and leadership it appears that will continue.
David comes with a long history of accomplishments and experience. He was born in Colchester, Essex in England and had his first paid job as a church organist at twelve years of age! He was paid five shillings per week! Since then, he has earned his BA, FRCO, ADCM, ARCM and has been organist and choir master at many Cathedrals in England, Ireland and for the last ten years, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, St. John’s, Newfoundland.
A Cathedral is a Cathedral, and it must be a leader in the diocese.
“A Cathedral is a Cathedral,” says David, “and it must be a leader in the diocese.”
However, that does not mean it must be too serious. He has been quoted to say, “Life is too short to be serious,” Indeed, choir rehearsals are peppered with anecdotes and funny stories about the composers and the music, keeping choristers amused.
“When you play a noisy beast like a church organ, you have to have a sense of humour.” He loves to bring to life all the various sounds the organ can produce.
David is known for frequent organ recitals. In Ireland, he played a different program in all 31 Cathedrals, all within one week! In St. John’s, the locals were treated to weekly recitals, totaling 200 consecutive performances. Fredericton audiences will be pleased to learn that he is hoping to continue that custom at Christ Church Cathedral, beginning this year with an Advent series, and continuing each Friday thereafter. He is also hoping that there will be enough interest among youngsters, to form a children’s choir.
His interests are varied and include choral and organ music, food, wine and restaurants and architecture, especially of old churches. He is extremely knowledgeable about many church organs, and regularly posts comments on organ sites by way of the internet with details about church organs.
Accompanying him is his talented wife, Elspeth, who is from the Orkney Isles in Scotland. She has already shown her versatility as a singer, helping in the soprano, alto and tenor sections of the choir, as needed – but not all at the same time! She is looking for employment as an administrator or secretary in the Fredericton area.
Since the position at the Christ Church Cathedral is only part-time, David is also checking out the need for accompanist, adjudicator positions in the Fredericton area.
We are hope David and Elspeth will enjoy being part of our Cathedral church family for a long time.
02 October 2016 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Let thy merciful ears, O Lord – Mudd
Festive Eucharist – Rawsthorne
560, 500, 508, 453, 467
Psalm 137;1-6
Ave verum – Elgar
A Trumpet Minuet – Hollins
4.00: Choral Evensong (BCP)
Smith Responses
Psalm 118
Stanford in C
O Thou, the central orb – Wood
17, 546, 306
Toccata Songs of Praise – Chappell
09 October 2016 – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost – HARVEST THANKSGIVING
10.00: Choral Eucharist (BCP)
Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree – Poston
Sumsion in F
Psalm 100
262, 429, 398, 559, 258
Thou visitest the earth – Greene
Sortie in E flat – Lefébure-Wély
16 October 2016 – Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Deliver us, O Lord our God – Batten
Mass of St. Denis – Cabena
393, 521, 501, 617, 631
Psalm 119:97-104
O Lord, increase our faith – Loosemore
Praeludium in G minor – Buxtehude
23 October 2016 – Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
10.00: Choral Eucharist (BCP)
Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake – Hilton
Harris in F
474, 361, 364, 85, 438
Psalm 65
O for a closer walk with God – Stanford
Postlude in D minor – Stanford
30 October 2016 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
10.00: Choral Matins (BCP)
Smith Responses
Psalm 119:137-144
Stanford in B flat
Behold, the tabernacle – Harris
384, 354, 466, 573
Prelude and Fugue in D BWV 532 – Bach
Lucy’s Sewing Group meets Fridays to carry on an embroidery tradition. From left: Rita Cyr-Bonga, Jean Davies, Diane Radford, Ann Dalzell and Flo Harvey. ~ McKnight photos
By Gisele McKnight
Every Friday morning, between three and seven women gather at Cathedral Memorial Hall to keep alive the art of ecclesiastical embroidery.
They range in age from their early 60s to late 80s and they call themselves Lucy’s Sewing Group, based out of Christ Church Cathedral.
Together they have a few hundred years of sewing experience. Without them, and others like them, our Anglican church services would be hard pressed to function.
Their ministry is the embroidery of altar linens — corporals, credence cloths, fair linen, purificators and so on. Without purificators, for example, how would a priest celebrate Holy Eucharist?
“It’s definitely a ministry,” said Rita Cyr-Bonga. “It’s very important. I can’t put it into words.”
“From my point of view, I can sew, so I regard that as a gift. Therefore I should use it,” said Ann Dalzell, another of the members.
Production
The process of producing an embroidered cloth begins in Ireland at Ulster Weavers. Lucy’s buys it in a 10-metre roll. They tried the locally available linen, but it didn’t measure up, so they stick with the Irish.
Rita Cyr-Bonga rolls up a measuring tape after working with a bolt of Irish linen. Lucy’s Sewing Group doesn’t use the cathedral kitchen for eating, only for laying out and cutting metres and metres of linen.
Once it arrives in Fredericton, Rita takes it home for preparation.
“It has to be laundered, washed and ironed, before we use it,” said Jean Davies, who acts as the organizer of the group. “Imagine washing your tablecloth, but 10 metres of it. It’s not a job I would say ‘let me do it!’”
Laundering is to prevent shrinkage later on. Measurements for their products are precise, so this step is crucial.
Then it’s time for cutting the linen into the pieces for which they have orders. Once that’s done, the pieces are hemmed with mitred corners. Then finally, the embroidery can begin.
Flo Harvey explains the process: Fold the cloth in half to find the centre line. Stitch a blue line along it. Fold it the other way and repeat.
“When you’re finished, you have a cross in the centre,” said Flo, adding that’s where the embroidery will go.
A design is selected — either from their catalogue or one the customer provides — and the linen is placed over the pattern for tracing. Flo uses a light table at home and a washable ink pen to do the tracing. Then it’s ready for embroidery, once those blue stitch lines are removed.
When the embroidery is complete, it’s time for another laundering and ironing, and delivery to the customer.
While the group meets and sews each week, much of the work is done at home.
White-on-white embroidery design
Output
Lucy’s produces altar linens for the diocese, and as time and hands permit, they take on projects from elsewhere, even from as far away as the United States on occasion. They made four altar cloths for the Cathedral’s mission to a church in Belize, for example.
In an average year, the group will produce 40-50 purificators, five corporals, five fair linens, two credence cloths and two stiff palls. Turn around time is two months to several months, depending on the workload.
“We have a waiting list and we just do it as we go,” said Jean.
White-on-white embroidery design
Their price list hasn’t changed in a long time. A purificator is $12.50; a fair linen (altar cloth) is about $250. The latest roll of linen cost $306 Cdn, and fortunately, church linens are duty-free.
Their profits are donated to a variety of charitable causes.
Just a spark
Repair of altar linens is a tricky business. If a stitch is loose on a hem, it can be mended. But if it’s a hole in the cloth, its usefulness has ended.
“Traditionally we don’t mend altar linens,” said Ann. “There can be no broken threads on the altar. The only exception is hems.”
That’s why it’s important to snuff a candle, not blow it out. A spark can make a hole, and the only method of disposal is to burn it.
Lucy McNeill in an undated magazine article
Lucy’s origins
In an earlier era, ecclesiastical embroidery involved silk and gold threads on silk cloth. Some churches in the diocese still have these treasures. Now, however, the work of Lucy’s is white on white — white thread on white linen.
Ann, though, had the privilege of restoring Margaret Medley’s colourful embroidered frontals at Trinity Church in Dorchester about five years ago.
“The whole tradition started with Margaret Medley,” said Ann. “By the time she was in the country 12 months, she had started an altar guild.”
Photos of Margaret Medley’s embroidery
Margaret was the wife of Bishop John Medley.
Lucy’s Sewing Group, though, is not part of an altar guild. The roots of this group lie with Lucy McNeill, a somewhat stern but gifted embroiderer who lived next door to Cathedral Memorial Hall.
“Lucy was a rather formidable person,” said Ann. “People don’t realize she was very keen to get small group sewers going in our parishes. Lucy has had a terrific impact.”
Lucy once wrote a front-page article for Embroidery Canada, after which the magazine asked her to continue contributing.
Her answer: ‘I am not at all interested in domestic embroidery.’
She did, however, author a 32-page book called Sanctuary Linens, Choosing, Making and Embroidering, published by the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto in 1975. Two editions were published, but it’s rare to find one these days.
Some in the current group worked with Lucy.
“We were doing this work under her helpful hand and met at her house once a week,” said Ann. “We just kept on afterwards.”
Lucy died several years ago.
New members welcome
Jean was recruited about 15 years ago by the dean’s wife.
“She said, ‘You sew. Why don’t you join Lucy’s group?’ I didn’t know what Lucy’s group was.”
Diane Radford is one of the group’s younger members. She has a unique perspective as a member of the sanctuary guild.
“I find it interesting to see the other side of it,” she said. “You have no idea of the work that goes into it until you see this.”
While some might think the embroidery is too intricate or difficult, it’s a craft that can be learned, and the women at Lucy’s are eager to share it. They eagerly welcome new members. And because this group is senior in age, they understand the importance of recruitment.
To contact the group, call Cathedral Memorial Hall: 450-8500.
Saturday, April 2nd at 7 PM, Christ Church Cathedral, 168 Church Street, Fredericton
A concert to raise funds for my new full-length album, “Calming Trust and Coming King,” slated for release in the late spring. A freewill offering will be received.
Friday, April 1st: Becka deHaan at the Light Spot Cafe, 294 Westmorland Road, Saint John, 7:00-9:30 PM.
“If you had told me last April 1st that in exactly a year I would play a beautiful Christian cafe here in New Brunswick called The Light Spot, I’d have thought you were telling me an April Fool, because I never knew the place existed. Well it does, and it’s wonderful. Thanks to Dorothea for welcoming me so enthusiastically among the great talent that performs there regularly. So, come out on a Friday or Saturday night and have a tea or coffee while enjoying some great Gospel music. And if the Friday you come happens to be April 1st, see you there!” Becka deHann
And if you miss those, another such concert is in the works for the evening of Friday, April 22nd, at St. John’s the Evangelist Anglican, Main Street in Fredericton.
Proclamation is the reading of God’s word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end traditionally over a 10 day period. Reading schedules have been developed integrating Old Testament readings with Psalms, Proverbs and New Testament readings.
For many Canadians, both those who listen and read it is a remarkable new experience. But the roots are as old as the book of Nehemiah, where in the eighth chapter, Ezra and the priest reads the law aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end and spiritual renewal follows.
As well as reinvigorating the church, Proclamation is a public witness. The events bring together many different congregations, parishes from many denominations and confessions. This co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement of unity to the community. (from “Proclamation” on the Canadian Bible Society web site)
For many Canadians, both those who listen and read it is a remarkable new experience
In Fredericton, Proclamation 2016 is an event during which all are invited to hear the reading of God’s word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end over a 10 day period. Reading schedules have been developed integrating Old Testament readings with Psalms & Proverbs and New Testament readings.
More than an event, it is an opportunity to experience the bible read as it was intended, aloud. In Nehemiah 8, Ezra engages this process with the priest and together they read the bible aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end. The story bears witness to spiritual renewal in those who hear this proclaimed word.
As well as reinvigorating the church, Proclamation is a public witness. The events bring together many different congregations, parishes from many denominations and confessions. This co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement of unity to the community.
Ten years ago, during Proclamation 2006, 40 Churches and 6 groups participated. More than 1300 voices proclaimed the Word of God. Plan to join us this year to be a part of this experience of Christian unity!
Proclamation will be held in Fredericton from May 4 – May 13, 2016 at St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease at Christ Church Parish Church, 201 Westmorland Street.
May 4 – May 13, 2016
All neighbouring Christian churches, regardless of denomination, are invited to participate, and to be part of the Proclamation event. All group and religious organizations are encouraged to sign up.
Want to help out?? We are currently seeking readers and hospitality volunteers from each participating community. Please call Rev Priscilla Geisterfer <geisterferp at hotmail.com> (506) 260-7637, for interest in Reading, and Gladys Lacey-House, <lhouse at nb.sympatico.ca> (506) 454-3381 for interest in Hospitality.
Help bring Proclamation to life here in Fredericton!
Choral Evensong 06 March 2016 Featuring the music of John Medley, first Bishop of Fredericton
The first Bishop of Fredericton is perhaps best known for the establishment of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, the building of its Cathedral of Christ Church and many other churches throughout New Brunswick. Medley supported free pews, free-will offerings and the development of diocesan synods. He was the author of Hymns for Public Worship in the Diocese of Fredericton (1855, 1863, 1870).
It may be unknown to some that Bishop Medley’s interests and skills reached far beyond being a recognized scholar, gifted preacher, priest and Bishop. Among the skills that would reach deeply into other areas of church life were his musical abilities. During the early years of the Fredericton Cathedral, Bishop Medley was the primary preacher, director of music and chief pastor. His contribution to church music during the later half of the 19th century was significant.
“…undoubtedly [Medley was] the most prolific and talented anthem composer of post-confederation 19th century Canada,” Dr. Willis Noble, Director of Music and Organist at Christ Church Cathedral said. He is credited with several chant tune compositions, anthems and responsible for the introduction of the first Diocesan Hymnal in 1855. 1
…undoubtedly [Medley was] the most prolific and talented anthem composer of post-confederation 19th century Canada
Prior to his becoming Bishop, several tragic domestic occurrences included the death of his second son in 1839, his wife in 1841, his oldest daughter in 1843 and his mother in a carriage accident in 1844 in which Medley himself was involved but survived with injuries. It was in the fall of 1844, that the then Archbishop of Canterbury wrote to the Rev’d John Medley, then prebendary of Exeter cathedral:
REVEREND Sir, It has been determined to separate the Province of New Brunswick from the Bishopric of Nova Scotia, of which it now forms part, and to erect it into an independent Bishopric. It is most desirable that this important station should be filled by a clergyman well qualified by learning and ability, by temper and judgment, by piety and soundness of doctrine, to discharge its arduous duties. I have been informed by competent judges that you possess these qualifications in no ordinary degree, and their report has been fully confirmed by the answer of the Bishop of Exeter to my inquiries. I therefore request your permission to mention your name to Lord Stanley as Bishop. The office is not to be coveted on account of its emoluments … 2
Among the Medley selections scheduled to be sung on 06 March are:
“They Shall Hunger No More”
“Shew Me Thy Ways”
“O Praise the Lord”
A verbal presentation on the life, theology and music of Bishop Medley will precede Evensong at about 3:30 p.m..
At the Cathedral we’ll say goodbye to Willis Noble, Director of Music, on the last Sunday in March. Willis plans to embark on a journey of further academic studies early next fall and will be moving to Toronto.
The Cathedral congregations will say thank you to Willis on Easter Sunday, 27 March following a 10:30 a.m. combined worship when he insists that he will provide the cake, as his own expression of thanksgiving. “I have nothing but fondness for the people and of my time at the Cathedral,” Willis said.
“The past ten years are some of my most cherished memories and I am thankful for the time I’ve spent with the Cathedral community.”
As an accomplished organist, teacher and choral director, Willis has also successfully continued to nurture a contemporary Christian music group leading the more informal styled 11:45 a.m. worship on Sundays.
Dean Geoffrey Hall said, “I’ve not known a church musician with whom it is easier to work. Willis has a grasp of liturgy and the theological and a breadth of musical ability that has made him a very good fit for the needs of the Cathedral over the past decade.”
“I’ve not known a church musician with whom it is easier to work.” Dean Geoffrey Hall
Of course the Cathedral has been only part of his contribution to the musical community while in Fredericton. Willis has also been part of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Fine Arts at St. Thomas University. Reporting his being honoured by the New Brunswick Choral Federation for his distinguished service to choral music in the province in 2013 and the Stanley B. Cassidy Memorial Award by the Fredericton Music Society for his outstanding contribution to music in the Fredericton community, the STU website had this to say about him:
“Willis is not only a fantastic musician with an illustrious professional career, but also an extraordinary teacher and a wonderful colleague,” says Dr. Martin Kutnowski, Chair of the Fine Arts Department. He teaches a wide range of courses. Given the satisfaction of his students, it’s clear that Willis feels equally at home when teaching the most basic elements of music, as in a music rudiments class, or when teaching the challenging subject of music and meaning, and everything in between. We are very lucky to have him at STU.”
Being of the Christian faith few at the Cathedral would put luck high on a list of why things are the way they are. We can only give thanks that God called Willis to spend these past ten years with us. We wish him well as he moves on to new endeavours.
From 1997-2005, Dr. Noble was Director of Music at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto and Director of Music for Trinity College, University of Toronto. He was also an Associate Professor of Divinity at Trinity College.
Until 1997, Dr. Noble was head of the Department of Music at Mount Allison University, where he taught church music, organ, and choral music. He also conducted the Chamber Choir. He was also the Organist and Choir Director of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Sackville, a position he held from 1984 to 1997.
Dr. Noble has extensive teaching experience, including history of choral music, church music (especially Canadian repertoire), and Baroque music. He was also a member of the board of the New Brunswick Choral Federation, and Director of the Diocesan School of Church Music. He is an active recitalist specializing in Canadian Organ Repertoire.
Willis has a Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Toronto, and has earned a doctorate from Indiana University in 1982. He is the author of ‘Sacred Choral Music in Canada.’
