The Choir
Untitled document
Prior to 1896 the choir sang in a gallery beside the organ at the West end of the Church. In 1896 a new chancel was built. The canopied choir stalls were given by Mrs Rushton of Forest House, and her daughters:Mary, Erminia and Eluira in 1898 [contract signed in 1896] in memory of a husband and father—James Rushton JP DL. They were carved by Messrs. Langshaw & Sons of Whalley—7 seats for men and 12 for boys on both sides.
The choir stalls and benches were copied from drawings and casts of old work, from the original mother church at
Whalley Abbey.
The oak canopies are carved with grotesque heads, leaves and flowers.
The reordered church of 1896 was officially reopened on Thursday May 22nd 1902. The music played during the day was as follows:
Matins and Litany.
Processional Hymn—Hail, Festival day. Venite 244. Psalms CXX1, CXX11, CXXX11. Chants, 283, 284, 292, 293. Te Deum, Hopkins in G. Benedictus 133. Anthem, Blessed are they (tours). Hymns 242, 396 Part 11 ( 2nd tune.)
Evensong
Processional Hymn—Hail, Festival Day. Psalms CXXX1V, CXXX1V, CXXXV. Chants 288, 294, 295. Magnificat, Bunnett in F. Nunc Demittis, Bunnett in F. Anthem, It came even to pass (Ouseley). Hymns 307, 396 Part 11 (2nd tune.)
