Evensong Invasion

I hadn’t fully recalled that Evensong now twenty-eight years ago until the other night when I attended a ‘salon’ for the restoration of the organ. But that said, that Evensong lives very close to my consciousness and rises in my memory with very little effort. Probably the first time I ever heard the organ at … READ MORE…

Beautiful Music, Discordant Politics

Cathedral Choir Member Susan McClure wrote this letter to the San Diego Union Trib, published today. Let me sound a note or two in defense of the Spreckels organist, Carol Williams, and the maintenance of the organ. As a taxpayer in District 8, I have helped pay for Petco Park and the revamping and upkeep … READ MORE…

When the organ sings

I want to start by saying “thank you!” Thank you to Martin Green for being both a teacher and a mentor, and thank you to all of you, for providing this place, this church is much more than a mere building, it is a community, and I’d like to thank you all for having given … READ MORE…

Magical Moments: Lenten Lauds

You know when you discover something magical, something that really sings to your soul, and you want to wrap it up and bring it home? I felt that way at Mt. Calvary in Santa Barbara listening to Lauds. I attend Good Samaritan Episcopal up in UTC, but when I heard St. Paul’s was having a … READ MORE…

A Song for Lent

One of the things I do in my admittedly lazy retirement (besides volunteer work for St. Paul’s and occasional pro bono consulting) is the writing of hymntext – new verse for beloved Anglican tunes. My “Hymn For Jubilee,” written for the Jubilee Year 2000, received commendation from the Queen of England and the Archbishop of … READ MORE…

Should the Hymnal be revised?

Do you enjoy singing? Does music enhance your experience of worship? Whether you sit in the pews, in the chancel, or in the choir, your opinion is being sought! A survey is being conducted to see whether a revision of The Hymnal 1982 is needed and wanted by the Episcopal Church. From the survey page: … READ MORE…