h

I have performed the search and read the threads. <BR>I still am not sure what to expect from Evensong.<BR>I am not very religious, but am interested in going to this service at Westminster Abbey.<BR>Can someone who's been there describe the experience please?

lily

I was at Evensong two years ago at Westminister Abbey. Basically it's an Anglican (Church of England)church service. The choir of men and boys sings hymns which the congregation can sing along with in the hymn books. The service is led by the minister and lasts about 45 minutes including a sermon. It's quite lovely if you like church services and choir singing. Also it's a free way to see Westminister Abbey as there is no charge. Any other questions?

h

Lily, that was perfect.<BR>

Keith

I would only add that there is no singing by the congrgation. For the most part, it is a service to watch, rather than a service to participate in.<BR><BR>Also, unless you are there very early, you will be seated where you cannot see the choir.<BR><BR> Keith

uncle sam

As I recall, there was also a reading from the Old and New Testament at the one we attended. <BR><BR>We enjoyed it and it sure provided a nice reflective respite from all the hassles of being a tourist.<BR><BR>US

Shanna

Hi, h. My sister and I went to an evensong at (ummm...) King's College in Cambridge last fall and it was a service where the congregation participated in song and recitation and at the end they had communion. We didn't participate as we are both neo-pagans but probably would not have anyway not being church members; nonetheless it was a lovely experience, an hour of quiet reflection in a beautiful chapel after a busy day. It was held in the area on the altar side of the screen, with a short processional and recessional, and two clergy leading the group in a very intimate setting. The candlabra were electric but gave the sense of candle-glow, and the day's last light was shining through the windows. Peaceful and spiritual for even us non-religious folks.

JAM

I agree with all the posts and highly recommend evensong at Westminster Abbey (attended the service this past December) I would just add that you will not be able to tour the Abbey before or after the service. There are a number of people who guide you to the seating area and make sure that you promptly leave after the service (all done in a very nice manner, but they do not let you linger.) In addition, most of the lights are turned off in the Abbey during evensong, so it is difficult to see the Abbey in the few moments when you are walking to and from the choir area. Definitely get there early (30 minutes before) or you will not get a good seat. We brought guide books with us and read about the history of the Abbey while waiting for the service to begin. It is a wonderful experience regardless of your religious persuaion.

Judy

We attended Evensong at St. Paul's in Nov. We arrived early and were escorted into the choir with the other early arrivals. We were given prayer books, but I don't remember the congregation<BR>participating, maybe because we were mostly tourist.

Alec

There is a difference between Choral Evensong, with a choir, and Said Evensong, without. In the former, other than the readings (usually two), sermon (if any - only on Sundays and Holidays) and intercessions (which come after the third collect which begins 'Lighten our darkness...'), everything else will be sung or intoned, and the congregation are not expected to join in, but participate by attentive and prayerful listening. Often there is a hymn or two, and of course you are encouraged to join.<BR>In Said Evensong (sometimes simply called Evening Prayer), there is no singing or chanting and the congreagtion are expected to respond as indicated in the order of service. In most cathedrals and abbeys, the service will be from the Book of Common Prayer (1662), but for said service they may follow a modern order from Common Worship (2001). As the full version of the former is a tricky book to follow for the uninitiated, most places provide a card or booklet with the service clearly laid out.<BR>Choral Evensong is one of the treasures of the Church of England and I heartly recommend that you experience it at least once during your tour of England.<BR>You may like to know that the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will be enthroned at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 27 February. It will be televised live on BBC.

Gigi

h~<BR>I would suggest you go. The experience of hearing those young boys sing is just wonderful. <BR>I was able to sit in the choir with the parents and children...it made for a great experience.<BR>Get there about half an hour early and ask to sit in the choir stalls. You should have no problem. Enjoy!

abby

Evensong is beautiful. It you can't make it to Westminister Abbey, try St. Pauls. We went last year and it was one of the highlights of our trip.<BR>Abby

Betsy

We attended an Evensong service in the chapel at Windsor Castle a couple of years ago. The service was about the same as others have described above and a nice quiet pause in our sight-seeing. The sense of history was awesome--I looked down upon Henry the VIII's grave in the floor and almost couldn't breathe. We had a nice chat about California wine with the friendly rector (?) on the way out after the service. Hours for Evensong were posted at the castle gate. Highly recommended.

Mike Keene

I worked at Westminster Abbey for 10 yrs or so and have witnessed countless Evensongs. I too am not religious but I must say that hearing the wonderful sound of the choir influenced my appreciation for the human voice and opera. There is no serman and no congregational input apart from the prayers. It lasts about 40 minutes. Be aware that on Wednesdays there is no choir (Their day off). Go to the main entrance, West Door by 4.30pm Mon-Fri for a good seat. Evensong is at 3pm on Saturday. Sundays are not for the non religious!!<BR>Drop me a line I may be able to pull a few strings and get you a seats in the choirstalls.

Ben Haines

I agree with all that people have written so far. Also, I encourage you to ask the sidespeople (the stewards) for a book or booklet with the words, to have the full poetry of old Simeon?s words, Lord now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace?, and of young Mary?s words, My soul doth magnify the Lord?, with their cry for the humble and meek.<BR><BR>Welcome to London<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR>