Celebration and Presentation
RSCM Awards
All Saints Church, Matamata
On Sunday 31st August a special service was held in All Saints church to celebrate two church musicians having given many years of service to the church.
During the service David Brookes, Chair of RSCM Waikato presented Clare Hitchcock with the RSCM UK Nicholson Award, for providing music accompaniment on the digital piano for church services and concerts during the past 33 years in All Saints church.
Ven Andrew Evans, Vicar of the church presented Graham Burdon the RSCM Waikato Organist Long Service Award for 75 years as organist in All Saints church and many other churches in New Zealand.
A combined choir of 18 choristers from All Saints church and the Venite choir Cambridge was conducted by Merv Hunt, with organist David Brookes. The choir presented the following music:
- Introit. Psalm 150 Chant Goodenough.
- Peruvian Gloria (with congregational Responses)
- Anthem ‘Lead me Lord’. S.S. Wesley.
- Taize Responses: ‘Eat this bread’ and ‘O Lord hear my prayer’ (During communion)
All enjoyed singing many contemporary worship songs led by Andrew Evans and Clare Hitchcock, and the Smith/Gillard setting of The Lord’s Prayer accompanied by the organ.
The sermon by Mission Pastor Peter Sampson was inspiring. and shared details of his work with the Mission.
Organ music during the service included the Chorale Prelude: ‘All people that on earth do dwell’. J.G. Walther; and concluding with the rousing organ Postlude: ‘Now thank we all our God’ Bach/Fox all played by David Brookes.
A splendid ‘Brunch’ and social interaction was enjoyed by all in the church hall after the service.
David Brookes
