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St Paul's Cathedral, London, England

Since the organ at St. Paul's Cathedral is being refurbished (for two years) is there still evensong?

Posted by
2 posts

A quick glance at their website (http://www.stpauls.co.uk) shows that right now, evensong is still a sheduled event. You can look through for future dates to make sure it's on the exact day of your visit.

Posted by
525 posts

Thanks for the information. I didn't see information on an evensong at Westminster Abbey. Is there a fee for this? I'll get on the website for Westminster Abbey to see so you won't have to answer me. Thanks again.

Posted by
29 posts

I know you are researching this yourself (nearly every attraction, even churches and private houses, have good websites these days), but I wanted to thrown in my two cents. I will always remember the weekday services I attended at both Westminster and St. Pauls. Both my husband and I were amazed at how poised and well-behaved those little boys were. We knew going in that they would sound like angels (and they did), but can you imagine being that focused and still when you were 9? And the mix of tourists with locals (bankers at St. Pauls & politicians at Westminster) reminded us that these are "working" churches.
If you can, visit both places. They are very different and each is breathtaking and inspiring in its own way.

Posted by
9253 posts

I agree about visiting both. Two or my favorite travel memories are about them.
Traveling with a friend who'd never been to London we were walking to visit Westminster. The side door was open. We walked toward it and a man asked if we were here for the service. I said, "yes." In we went and along with about 15 other folks we were seated and got to hear a small chorale perform. No intro, nothing. We then wandered around alone as the Abbey was closed. After an hour, the front doors were opened and out we went. Still makes me smile. Attended a Christmas Eve mass at St. Paul's. After it ended, I walked out into the crisp cold air, snow was falling and the church bells peeled. Magical, just magical.

Posted by
3428 posts

Check out St. Martin's In The Field. I have seen lots of musical events posted when we go to the market next to the church.

Posted by
525 posts

Thank you for the info on the churches. I did find that Westminster Abbey is having an evensong at 3 pm on the 22nd of June, our last day in London, and an organ recital at 5:45 pm. What a great way to end our 3 week stay in England. We have some very sick friends. We will spend the time praying, soaking in the wonderful music, taking a deep breath from our 3 week holiday and thanking God for all He has done for us.

Posted by
658 posts

Although St. Paul's and Westminster abbey do ask a small admission charge to visit during the day there is no charge for anyone who wishes to attend a church service.

Both Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's are outstanding. My personal preference is for St. Paul's and yes, evensong is still being sung.

Posted by
2349 posts

Ok, tell me what exactly is evensong? Just a sung church service, or better? I've always read about it books. I'm not a churchgoer-but would like music if it's not "preachy".

Posted by
525 posts

Al, the "small donation" for St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey is around 9 GBP. At least that is what I'm finding on the website.
I'm not sure what an evensong is. I was wondering if it was still being done at St. Paul's since the pipe organ is being refurbished through 2009.

I just did a google of what is an evensong. Several sites to look at:

Evensong is one of canonical hours marked by communal, sung, prayers. Also referred to as vespers, this service of the church is composed of hymns ...