The Choir of St John's

There are three choral services on Sundays (in addition to the said services throughout the week). These are Sung Eucharist, Choral Matins and Choral Evensong. On the first Sunday of each month there is one combined morning service at 10.30am (with Evensong as normal). On occasion, an introit may be sung at the beginning of any of the services.

Sung Eucharist (9.45am)
This service follows the 1982 liturgy and the holy communion is sung to either a congregational or choral Mass setting, together with hymns and two anthems.

Choral Matins (11.15am)
St John's is unique in Scotland as the only church to have Matins weekly. Sometimes spelled "Mattins", this service of early morning prayer originates from the monastic office of Lauds. It follows the Scottish Prayer Book and three morning canticles (i. Venite, ii. Te Deum or Benedicite and iii. Benedictus or Jubilate Deo) are sung together with choral responses, a psalm, hymns and anthems. With a wide choral repertoire available for this service, Matins can provide an opportunity to hear the choir at its best.

Choral Evensong (6.00pm)
Similar to Matins in form, Evensong also follows the Scottish Prayer Book. The evening canticles (Magnificat and Nunc dimittis) are sung as well as hymns, choral responses, psalms and anthems.

First Sunday - Ten Thirty
On the the first Sunday of each month, Eucharist and Matins are replaced with a combined service at 10.30am. This communion-based service can range from a family service, to a full festal mass or celebration of a particular event in the church calendar.

For more information about the Choir's music, please see Music.