The organist librarian

St Stephen's Dominican church, Jerusalem. Icon of Stephen seen in Armenian shop window, Jerusalem. The church is thought to be on the place where Stephen was martyred. Christmas Day and listened to Bath Abbey broadcast. Not many at Coulsdon - clapping Gloria, I played lots of Noels. Vickie said how well everything had gone. To John the Baptist Purley for 12 noon Mass. Warmly greeted by Fr Jim Pannett who is looking old and limping again. Someone called Bill turned up at noon to play accompanied by his young daughters. Endured Peruvian Gloria and the girls sang carols round the organ - it looked as though they only had one copy between them. Their descant to O come all ye faithful was pretty feeble. Considering the church was full the people did not sing. Bill is a competent pianist I think but there is no variety of stops at all so it all becomes pretty dull. Canon Jim does his best to enthuse! I rather suspect that a lot of people like me would prefer a short quiet Mass after so m...

Spoke to Ann and Paul on Skype. To Coulsdon for family Eucharist. We didn't sing Gloria or Lamb of God because Vickie said the congregation didn't have the words! I played lots of French noels. To Purley for 12 noon Mass. Fr Jim did his best to get people celebrating but the singing was pathetic despite having the organ played by "Bill". The little boy behind me shouted out "No! I want that!" and had to be removed to the sacristy. Liz came home from serving at the cathedral and we both went to second Vespers and Benediction. superb singing from the choir of Bethlehem Down by Warlock and O magnum mysterium by Poulenc. Messiaen Dieu parmi nous at the end - that final chord is amazing. Nice to see Deacon Peter. Grandma joined us for dinner of roast beef and mango pudding. Spoke to Graham on Skype.