2014 Choral Evensong for the Commemoration of Charles, King and Martyr.
The Choral Evensong was changed again this year from the Whittall Chapel to the main body of St Mary's Church. The reason for this was that a sizeable congregation was expected and the service was to be led by the joint choirs of St Mary's and St John's. A large number of Old Carolians attended the service and formed about half the congregation.
The service was led by the Rev Rose Lawley with Musical Directors James Bradley from St Mary's and Chris Strickland from St John's. The first lesson (Acts, Chapter 2, Verses 42 to 47) was read by the Headteacher of King Charles I School, Tim Gulliver; the second lesson (St Mark's, Chapter 4, from Verse 35) was read by Old Carolians Association President Charlie Combes.
The address, given by Rose Lawley, spoke of her pleasure at being invited to preside at the wreath-laying ceremony in the King Charles Room on Thursday 30th January. She spoke again of Charles' quality of greatness, linking him to Oscar Romero and Pope Benedict. Charles was a man of devout faith and prayer, as recognised by his enemies, especially the Parliamentary Puritan Andrew Marvel. The Common Prayer Book recognises the martyrdom of Charles and a calendar service is dedicated to it each year; in fact there is a society, founded in 1894, for the death of Charles, King and Martyr. It aims to continue the traditional service for Charles and is active in promoting and commemorating the martyr's sacrifice.
Rose referred to the words of St Mark's Gospel in the second reading. Jesus had questioned the faith of his disciples when in a storm on Lake Galilee. By telling them that they were safe in his care, he was developing in Christians a real faith for the future, where his Spirit would be with them, come what may. Charles fundamentally believed that there is hope in death, a new hope by believing in Christ.
There was some energetic singing in the service, led by the two choirs. The highlights were the Magnificat, the Nunc Dimittis, the thunderous organ in the Anthem 'Blessed be the father', and the glorious descants in the hymns 'O worship the King' and 'Ye Holy Angels Bright'.
Exiting into a freezing cold night, we certainly felt as if we had been uplifted by the Choral Evensong once again.
'Captain' Peter Vaughan, Religious Affairs Correspondent