Music
Music has always been an important part of church life at St Saviour’s, and over the years, many notable musicians and hymn writers have participated in worship here.
From the consecration of the church in 1845, it was intended that Gregorian Plainchant would be the central form of musical expression and the acoustics of the church were designed specifically for this.
However, a small hymnal was produced, 3 years later, to be used in the church.
This included hymns or translations of hymns by John Mason Neale and also, intriguingly,
‘Once in Royal David’s City’ by Mrs C.F. Alexander, wife of the Bishop of Derry, friend of Dr Hook, Vicar of Leeds, and Dr Pusey, founder of St. Saviour’s. How come it came to St Saviour’s so quickly? Did Mrs Alexander actually come to St Saviour’s?
In the late 1850’s, a simple manual organ was introduced to the congregation for the first time. This caused rifts within the congregation at first. Gradually these were healed, helped by several individuals, who had been raised at St Saviour’s, being ordained to the priesthood. They, in turn, brought others to take part in services here. One of these was hymn writer John Bacchus Dykes, Vicar of St Oswald, Durham whose curate was an Ordinand from St Saviour’s. By this time, reports of our services were being printed, not only in the local newspapers, but also in Church of England papers such as The Guardian and The Church Times.
The arrival of John Wylde, vicar from 1877 to 1929, continued the musical tradition at St Saviour’s. He himself was a first class musician. By 1912 the organ had begun to present problems and so plans were laid and funds raised for its replacement. The new organ, by Walker of Ruislip, was in place the following year. This is still in use today.
Since then music has continued to be an important part of church life at St Saviour’s.
There are several musicians in the congregation and some good singers so Sunday worship is of a good standard. From time to time we have special music services by the Pusey Consort and others.