Choral Evensong: Celebrating John Carne's 70 years in Christ Church Choir

John Carne has been a member of Christ Church choir for more than seventy years.

We will be celebrating John's amazing contribution to Christ Church by singing some of John's favourite music during the service of Choral Evensong and dedicating a brass plaque, to be placed in the choir stalls. 

John Carne 

John joined Christ Church choir in 1944 when he was 9 years old. He had a few years away from the choir as a teenager when his voice broke, but then rejoined singing bass and has sung with the choir ever since. 

John followed in the footsteps of both his father, who sang in the choir as a boy, and his grandfather who sang bass. John sang with his own children when they joined the choir as choristers. 

John was also treasurer of the church and a member of Christ Church Parochial Church Council for 50 years. 

John has chosen Sir Hubert Parry's 'I Was Glad' as the anthem for the service, as it is one of his favourite pieces and one he has sung throughout his long membership of the choir. 

John said "I remember singing 'I Was Glad' as a boy and it brought me such a powerful feeling of joy. Singing together with a group of people is such a wonderful experience."

Christ Church Choir

Christ Church choir is a group of around 30 children and adults who lead worship at morning and evening services on a Sunday and at special services and events throughout the year. The choir is always delighted to welcome new members and there are no auditions. 

Choral Evensong 

Choral Evensong is part of a 470 year old choral music tradition sung in churches and cathedrals throughout England and the world. It is a 45 minute service of music and contemplation, giving respite in a busy world.