On Sunday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m., a Service of Choral Evensong will be offered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 42 E. Main Street in Salem. “This centuries-old, reflective service includes readings from scripture, music and prayer. Evensong has its origin in the ancient monastic service of vespers. During the reign of Henry VIII, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer changed the service to Evensong for the Anglican Church. Evensong is sung daily in cathedrals and parish churches throughout the world,” according to Steven Lawrence, the church’s organist and director of music.
The St. Paul’s choir, under the direction of Lawrence, will sing settings of the Evening Canticles by Richard Shephard and the anthem “Hear My Prayer” by Felix Mendelssohn featuring soprano Asherah Capellaro. The choir will be joined by organist Sumner Jenkins of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. Jenkins will play music by Detrich Buxtehude and J. S. Bach. Officiating the service is The Rev. Dr. James Hubbard, Rector of St. Paul’s. The preacher will be Salem native The Rev. Willis Logan. Fr. Logan is the Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fincastle.
“We warmly invite everyone to attend this service of Choral Evensong and hope that you will find it an opportunity for refreshment, renewal and joy. A reception follows the service in the Parish Hall,” Lawrence said.
For more information, visit www.stpaulssalem.dioswva.org or call the church office at (540) 389-9307.
-The Salem Times-Register
