The service of Evening Prayer was developed by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) for the first
English Book of Common Prayer. He combined elements of the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and
Compline into a single service, as part of a simplified daily discipline intended for use by clergy and lay
people alike. Musical settings of the service developed in royal and university chapels and cathedral
choirs of Renaissance England, giving rise to a uniquely Anglican worship tradition.
Evensong at All Saints’ is offered on the first Sunday of every month at the 5:30 pm service. The
Evensong Choir is made up of singers from the All Saints’ choir as well as vocalists from the wider
community who love this music. The service begins with chanting and the lighting of candles in an
ancient tradition of Christian worship. This is followed by the chanting of a psalm in the medieval
plainchant style, readings from the Bible, a brief meditative homily on the scriptures, and silent
meditation, interspersed with canticles and an anthem sung by the choir. The service concludes with
prayers for the church, the world, and our own necessities, and a congregational hymn.
If you are interested in singing with the Evensong Choir, please contact Interim Music Director Andrea
Matters at 624-3883, ext. 21 or andreamatters@gmail.com.