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Church choirs, soloists and musicians lead uplifting praise at Clogher Diocesan Big Sing

 


The popular Clogher Diocesan BIG SING was held on Sunday evening, 29 January in St. Maeldoid’s Church, Parish of Muckno, Castleblayney.

A large congregation drawn from across Monaghan, Fermanagh and adjoining counties was treated to a wonderful evening of favourite hymns, Gospel songs and community singing. The organist was Mr. Glenn Moore.


Revd William Jeffrey playing the flute.

Artistes representing churches across the diocese and from other denominations took part in the two-hour event which was greatly enjoyed by everyone attending. They included a number of soloists and instrumentalists including many young people from church choirs and praise bands.

A welcome was extended to everyone attending by Revd Elaine Dunne, Rector of Ballybay, Muckno and Clontibret parishes before the choirs and congregation sang the first hymn, “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.”

The Ballybay Gospel Group sang “He’s the truth, the life, the way” and “God on the Mountain.”

Diane Wright-Kendrick from Donagh Parish, Glaslough introduced the next hymn, “Amazing Grace,” that powerful hymn written by John Newton. At the Big Sing, an instrumental was played by flautist, the Revd William Jeffrey, Rector of Lisbellaw Parish before the congregation joined in the singing.

There were two pieces from St. Macartin’s Cathedral Choir, Enniskillen, “Still, My Soul Be Still” and “My Soul, There is a Country” conducted by Dr David Baxter and accompanied on piano by Glenn Moore.

Lynda and Alice Lindsay from Lisbellaw Parish were accompanied on the piano by Glenn Moore as they sang, “Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross.”

Next there was another instrumental by Yolanda Brannigan, from Enniskillen Cathedral on the violin as the congregation later joined in the singing of “King of Kings, Majesty.”


Lynda and Alice Lindsay.

The members of Aghadrumsee Parish Choir accompanied on piano by Marina Elliott sang “May the Fragrance of Jesus” and “Pass me not O Gentle Saviour before the Aghadrumsee Parish Music Group sang “Halle Halle” and “Soon and Very Soon” unaccompanied.

Two of the younger members of the Aghadrumsee groups, Sarah Elliott and James Morrison accompanied on piano by James Elliott sang “It is well with My Soul.”

A medley of two hymns followed, the first, “Nearer, my God, to thee” featuring a solo by Lynda Lindsay and then with uplifting congregational singing of “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah.”

There was a duet from Esther Janzen and Finn Maguire from Enniskillen Cathedral, who sang “O Perfect Heart” unaccompanied.

The well known Donagh Cantari performed next with “God is Love” and “Go forth into the World in Peace,” conducted by Geraldine Casey accompanied by Gerard Toal on the piano.

Sharon Lancashire, from Drum Parish, then introduced the hymn, “O Jesus, I have promised” and its personal meaning to her. This well-known hymn was sung by the choirs and congregation together.

A combined choir from Ballybay Presbyterian Group of Churches Choir along with Ballybay, Muckno and Clontibret Group of Parishes Choir and Carrickmacross Union, Magheracloone and Ardragh Group of Parishes Choir conducted by Wendy Sloan sang two well-known favourites, “God made all things Beautiful” and “It is no Secret.”

Ronnie Wilkinson of Tydavnet Parish, introduced the next hymn, “The Lord’s my Shepherd” sung by the congregation to the traditional tune followed by Dromore Parish Choir accompanied by Lorna Thompson and Revd Andrew Quill as they sang “The Goodness of God” and “You are my Strength.”


Donagh Cantari.

Soloist David Burton from Enniskillen Cathedral Choir led the singing of “O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder.”

Donagh Community Choir, Glaslough, conducted by Ethne McCord, accompanied by Gerard Toal, sang “Love Grows Here,” “I Will Sing Praise,” and “Go Now in Peace.”

Bishop Ian Ellis, in his epilogue, thanked everyone for taking part in the uplifting evening of music and singing and especially thanked Ethne McCord and Glenn Moore for their collaboration. He also thanked the Rector and Select Vestry of St. Maeldoid’s Church, Muckno Parish, Castleblayney. He spoke of the spiritual meaning of many of the hymns sung.

The final hymn was “To God be the Glory” with a solo in Verse 1 by Jane McKinley of Enniskillen Cathedral Choir.

Everyone was served supper to end a fabulous two-hour event greatly appreciated by all.


James and Sarah.


Enniskillen Cathedral Choir.


Ballybay Gospel Group.


Yolanda playing the violin.


Aghadrumsee Parish Choir.


Aghadrumsee Parish Group.