St Paul's Choir
The original choir of St Paul's church, probably formed round about the time of the completion of the church building in 1902, was under the direction of Mr Clayton (Choirmaster) who also was a founder of the church. The organist was Mr Crabtree. Both served the church for over forty years.
For many years, in common with many parish church choirs of the early 20th century, the choir was all male, consisting of boy trebles, and men singing the alto, tenor and bass parts. In the 1950s, the PCC voted to admit women into the choir. Towards the 1980s, the choir became an all-female choir.
Sadly, in the latter part of the twentieth century, choral singing in parish churches became rarer, and during the 1990s, like many Anglican churches, St. Paul’s lost its choir and was without a choir for a number of years. However, the choir was reinstated in 2017 by Elliott Walker, the current Director of Music. The current choir is made up of enthusiatic and committed adult singers.
What the choir does
St Paul's choir currently sings at Sunday Eucharist services each week, except for the first Sunday of the month. Also, the choir sings at festivals and special services, sometimes with Rotherham Minster choir to form a joint choir.
During services, the choir leads the congregational singing of the hymns and usually sings an anthem or hymn during communion. SInce its reintroduction, the choir has expanded its repertoire and is continually looking to add new pieces.
The Gentlemen of St Paul's Choir in the early 20th Century.
Rehearsals
The choir meets in St Paul's church on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. for rehearsal. St Paul's. It is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and choir members are able to work towards RSCM awards. Rehearsals are led by Felicity Atkinson, Assistant Musical Director in the Mission Partnerhsip, with particular responsibility for music at St Paul's.
Interested in joining the choir?
We are always keen to hear from prospective members of the choir.
If you are interested in joining St Paul's Choir, please contact the Mission Partnership Senior Musical Director, Ian Wilcock (ian.wilcock@rotherhamminster.co.uk) who will be able to give you more information.