‘Musicians’ church’ now linked to HTB in row after closing its doors to non-religious choirs and orchestras

Aug 15, 2017 by Jill

by James Macintyre, Christian Today:

A church in central London that has become part of a network led by the evangelical Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) is facing criticism from a leading composer and others after closing its doors to choirs and orchestras whose music is non-religious.

St. Sepulchre Without Newgate Church in Holborn, which is known as ‘the musicians’ church’ and is where the Proms founder Sir Henry Wood is buried, has become embroiled in a row after stopping taking bookings from classical musicians who have relied on it as a rehearsal and concert venue for many years, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The church became part of the evangelical HTB group, which is known for its rock-band style of worship and described by some higher church conservatives as ‘happy clappy’, in 2013.

Now, classical groups are no longer welcome to rehearse and perform there – with resident choristers saying that they are ‘concerned that it will become a worship choir with drums and keyboards’.

The church has a book of remembrance for musicians, as well as windows commemorating the singer Dame Nellie Melba and the composer John Ireland.

John Rutter, who is known for composing, arranging and conducting choral music, said the decision meant the church had ‘betrayed’ musicians.

He pointed to the ‘significant’ timing of the decision, coming after the retirement of the former Bishop of London Richard Chartres earlier this year. A successor to Chartres has not yet been appointed.

‘I know Richard Chartres was a great friend of music and he would have been the first to say ‘come on’. But he is gone and so there’s nobody else,’ he told the Telegraph.

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