A Cambridge God Adventure* 31) Fresh melodies

(*please skip if you have not been following this story).  In his pre-university year Andrew was willing to work not only in the music life of the church but also to help with youth work.  It is fair to say that his youthful energy and optimism did not always receive the greatest encouragement from the elderly and musically-conservative choir.  Yet his classical training and expertise as an organist was quickly recognized as a wonderful gift to all of us.

Andrew was encouraged to dream - about developing an orchestra for special events and developing music beyond the Baptist Hymn book (and anthem book). The siting of a piano at the front of the church provoked considerable tension as did the introduction of worship materials from other sources.  Before long plans were afoot for compiling our own songbook to include contemporary songs and hymns.  The process of making choices and seeking permissions was tedious and, at the beginning, the church meeting only allowed the song book to be used in the evening services.  Because these were less well-attended I am sure critics felt this was a safe compromise.  Actually, the greater freedom within evening worship allowed guitars and the formation of a small music group.

I know one or two boycotted these evening services and several more hoped it was a passing fad so we could soon return to chants and anthems.  Yet, Andrew's patient leadership and musicianship enabled the choir to continue to function well and to complement the new.  To some it was threatening but to many others it was refreshing and a clear answer to our prayers.

I know Andrew sometimes reads my blog - I am sure he has strong memories of what it was like as a young man to be thrown into this music tension!   But how grateful we all were for this beginning and his willingness to be the answer to our prayers.  The consequent story of music in worship on the way to some glorious blended worship had many twists and turns but this beginning laid solid foundations.