Rejoice! Rejoice! For our songs and music shall praise the Lord!
This page is the one part of church life which resonates throughout the world, throughout nations and faiths. It is the heart beat, the soul, the irresistible magnetic spiritual attraction which brings us all together, as one voice, in harmony, singing the praises of our faiths, our religions, our memories and commitments to God.
Music isn't just a "modern construct of worship". Far from it. Music, whether sung, solo instrument, accompanied, full orchestra or band, is a unique communication, not only in praise of God, but also unity. We all gather in our places of worship, wherever they may be, whenever they may be, to be with those close to us, even new to us, whether it's a sense of connection, belonging, friendship, rejoicing as a community, even just for the love of music. Music in faith, through churches and other places where the community come together, it is not only praise, it can be a call to prayer, a chance to heel and recover, a chance to understand and learn, seek guidance, to mark events, to hold someone in memory, to morn, to spread the word, to draw people closer and more besides.
Music in faith and music in religion, through churches, cathedrals and other places of worship goes back over the many centuries. Before the likes of pianos and organs ever came in to existence, people would sing as choirs, solo, as communities. It didn't matter about tuning, I think that's where "Jazz" came from... (sorry... :) musician's joke...). If you look back into history of song and music for worship, you'd be surprised at what you'd find. Our musical liturgy is formed by some of the most intriguing and creative composers of our past, to the present day. Our whole construct in Christian Liturgy, whether Catholic, Anglican, methodist and so forth, has music to rejoice, music to inspire and guide. From hymns to meditations, psalms to more involved and personal commitments of music, we all partake in one form or another.
You know, when you walk in to a church or cathedral, you'll probably see a whole load of pipes standing upright, all fancy and posh... no, it's not a boiler on legs :)... It's the pipe organ. Organists like me, we come in all shapes, we all have our interests and passions in music, but when it comes down to brass tacks, we're organists, here to do one amazing job in the life of a church... To bring MUSIC where there's silence.
The pipe organ is one of the most unique instruments from history dating back to as far as the 15th century and far earlier. Bach's compositions were made through an early 1 manual organ which over the years, expanded, that organ still exists now in Germany as a fully expanded organ, yet still has the original pipes and stops from it's initial development. The thing is, no two organs are alike, True pipe organs (air fed by bellows or blowers), they have so many differences in design, stop configurations, voicing, tunings, you name it. You could walk in to a chapel and find either a single or twin manual organ with a small number of stops for congregational singing, or walk into a cathedral to a 5 manual with over 90 stops and more pipes than you could share a stick at (don't be doing that now).
Today, churches around the world, they face some of the most difficult challenges regarding organ upkeep. The costs per year to keep organs in tune and in running order can be crazy. I've lost count of the churches and cathedrals I've attended as an organist, pianist and piper where an organ has suffered badly due to neglect, etc, it hurts, believe me it does. The saddening fact is that, no matter where you go, there are churches who are suffering financially due to a number of factors, we all are suffering from it, whether it's dwindling congregational / parish numbers, emergency matters where parish offices or a diocese is still trying to pay those costs, etc, these issues all mount up. In those cases, the organ in a vast degree of instances, is the last to receive care. This is where in my honest and qualified opinion, music suffers.
Today's churches are starting to respond to this crisis, depending on support they can find, either from the community, etc. With this, Traditional pipe organs are being replaced with digital organs, which cost a lot less to run, don't require regular servicing, tuning, etc, can be expanded upon and much more. Our church (Christ Church) has a Wyvern 3 manual digital organ, installed in 2011, it's a modern example, though not as modern as some systems recently introduced, which provides support for congregational singing, solo voice, choral accompaniment and more. It's voicing through sampling has a unique charm to it which lends to the sound of our church. Our other church (Church of the Holy Spirit) features an older Rodgers C515) which supports a smaller requirement as a 2 manual console, yet has a charm of it's own.
Today's music in worship comes in many styles, whether it's the traditional hymn format for organ and choir / congregational singing, but you'd be surprised to find that today's more progressive churches have bands performing. If you walk in to one of the more progressive churches of today, I can guarantee you that you may very well be moved in a different, yet spiritual way. The modern Christian Churches, their music is more for guitars, basses, keyboards, saxophones, etc as well as the more up beet vocal styles which can stir the soul. Music, no matter what it's roots, no matter what it's sound, it transcends all boundaries and provides a common goal, to unite all people, of all nations, as one, in praise of God.
There's so much more out there in music for faith, What ever holds you, uplifts you, strengthens you, guides you to Jesus, let it guide you.
We have two of the best organists in the local area. Mr. Richard Ablitt and Mr. Huw Ellis-Williams, both of whom support the local church scene as installed organists for services, funerals and other events. They each offer unique feels to music and we are proud to have them as part of our church and proud to have their music ringing through our buildings.
Our Organ Story...
On Sunday 31 July 2011, the new organ of Christ Church was dedicated and commissioned. It is a digital organ which replaced a pipe organ that was in such a poor state that a number of well-respected organ builders actually described it as being not worth restoring! Sadly, that's the way pipe organs can go, the costs of restoring and time lengths to restore are catastrophic.
With that in mind, members of the Prestatyn Parochial Church Council spent some considerable time exploring the possibilities of a replacement and finally... they decided upon a digital organ, built on the WpX system of tone generation, and Wyvern Church Organs were invited to submit a scheme for consideration. Mr Paul Wren of Wyvern Organs (in consultation with the Vicar, Rev. Quentin Bellamy, also an organist) drew up a scheme for a three manual organ of forty speaking stops, controlled by a handsome three manual draw-stop console in oak.
"We are highly delighted with the resulting instrument which is based on some of the highest quality digital samples. From the softest strings to the awesome sound of the full organ there is much colour and beauty to be found in its many voices."
For more information on Wyvern Organs, why not take a look at The Wyvern Organs Website
It is our intention to feature the organ "in concert" as frequently as possible. The first "major event" was on Friday 14 October 2011 and was the Official Opening Concert when Nigel Ogden of BBC Radio 2's "The Organist Entertains" programme came to present an evening of popular and tuneful music to a packed church.
MUSIC IN PRESTATYN PARISH CHURCH
The Choir meet to rehearse each Wednesday evening at 7.15pm.
The Organist & Choirmaster of Christ Church is Mr Huw Ellis-Williams.
Saturday 31st July 2021, marks the 10th anniversary of our organ being dedicated, commissioned and installed. 10 years of beautiful music from an organ we are proud of and happy to promote Wyvern Church Organs.
"Image Courtesy of Wivern Church Organs."
PEDAL:
Double Open Wood - 32’
Open Diapason - 16’
Subbass - 16’
Echo Bourdon - 16’
Octave - 8’
Bass Flute - 8’
Fifteenth - 4’
Contra Posaune - 32’
Trombone - 16’
Choir to Pedal,
Great to Pedal,
Swell to Pedal.
CHOIR:
Rohr Flute - 8’
Gemshorn - 4’
Open Flute - 4’
Nasard - 2.2/3’
Flageolet - 2’
Tierce - 1.3/5’
Farigot - 1.1/3’
Clarinet - 8’
Tuba - 8’
Cathedral Chimes,
Swell to Choir,
Tremulant.
GREAT:
Boardon -16’
Open Diapason - 8’
Claribel Flute - 8’
Stopped Diapason - 8’
Principal - 4’
Harmonic Flute - 4’
Twelfth - 2.2/3’
Fifteenth - 2’
Fourniture 15.19.22.26 - IV
Trumpet - 8’
Choir to Great,
Swell to Great,
Pedal Pistons Comb.
SWELL:
Geigen Diapason - 8’
Gedeckt - 8’
Salicional - 8’
Voix Celestes - 8’
Principal - 4’
Nason Flute - 4’
Fifteenth - 2’
Mixture 15.19.22 - III
Double Trumpet - 16’
Trumpet - 8’
Oboe - 8’
Clarion - 4’
GENERAL:
Expression Pedal - Swell
Expression Pedal - Choir
6 Thumb Pistons to Choir
6 Thumb Pistons to Great
6 Thumb Pistons to Swell
6 General Thumb Pistons
General Cancel Thumb Piston
EXPANSION / CONNECTIVITY:
MIDI: IN / PRE MIDI / POST
HEADPHONES - 1 & 2
LINE IN - L/R (RCA connectors)
LINE OUT - L/R (RCA connectors)
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MUSICAL EVENTS!!!
The Parish Of Prestatyn has been known and famous locally for holding various musical events and services. Wales has a proud tradition for Choirs and music, so it keeps it's traditions alive and the heartbeat ever ticking stronger.
Just to give you an idea of what we've been doing over the years, especially last year (2019), here's some of the posters.
Like with all churches, We hold a special place for the festive services, such as Easter and Christmas services, including Carrol concerts, etc. It's part of our heart and what we do.
LET THE WORLD REJOICE IN SONG AND IN MUSIC!
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BOOKINGS & EVENTS:
For enquiries regarding any events we hold or bookings, Please either contact the organiser for the event - usually on our flyers or on the "Church News" page, or E-Mail Us.