In 1873 an iron church was built in a windy part of South London known as One Tree Hill. One of the priests serving the congregation of this temporary edifice was the Rev. Thomas Helmore (1811-1890), formerly Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal and a noted authority on Gregorian Chant. As a key figure in the revival of the English Choral tradition, it is inconceivable that music would not have played a central part in the worship of the day.
When the time came to build a more permanent structure, a magnificent organ
to be built by Lewis was included in the ambitious plans. Although it wouldn't be completed for
another 45 years, the first section was ready by the time of the consecration in
April 1887. However by that time, Alfred Eyre the first Organist and
Master of Music was already something of a fixture having been in post since
1881. Eyre was also organist of the Crystal Palace, which was home to a huge
Willis organ, sadly destroyed in the fire of 1936.
The choral tradition was well established by the time of the picture to the right taken to celebrate the Golden Jubilee in 1937. It shows Father Horsley (Vicar), Mr Billen Humphries (Choirmaster) along with the choir, churchwardens and servers.
Music continues to be a central part of the worship at St John's. The organ has been recently restored and the choir continues to flourish, albeit with a largely female top line in contrast to the exclusively male membership for most of its history. Adrian Adams, the present Master of Music, has long surpassed Alfred Eyre's record of 38 years at the helm.
The building continues to inspire musicians from far and wide. It has been used by the BBC to broadcast Songs of Praise and Choral Evensong and is popular as a concert venue for other local choirs. It is also becoming increasingly renowned for its acoustic for recordings by groups such as His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts, Florilegium, Robin Blaze, Elin Manahan Thomas, Choir of Gonville & Caius College and the Rodolfus Choir, with Sir Ralph Allwood. A recent Vivaldi CD by Florilegium and Elin Managhan Thomas recorded at St John's in stunning surround sound was voted Radio 3's CD of the week. One reviewer said, "The sound quality... is quite exceptional. The acoustic of the recording location - St. John the Evangelist church, Upper Norwood, London - bathes the instruments in a warm glow giving them an almost holographic presence and richness." Listen and watch below:
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