HUNTSVILLE – Music and song will fill All Saints’ Anglican Church as parishioners and community members celebrate a special service commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s six decades as monarch.
Joanne Cunnington, parishioner and event organizer, said the service of thanksgiving and song set for Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. was made possible in part by a $1,000 jubilee grant from the federal government through Canadian Heritage.
“The grant will be used strictly for entertainment to celebrate and honour the Queen as our sovereign leader in Canada and our heritage,” said Cunnington.
Canadian Heritage was offering grants to successful applicants as part of a national celebration of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.
The afternoon service, said Cunnington, will feature British music performed by well-known organist Ross Brock.
“He can play this pipe organ in our church like nobody else can,” she said with a smile. “He’s just amazing.”
Songs will include O Canada, God Save the Queen, Prince of Denmark March, Toccata in C by J.S. Bach, Trumpet Voluntary and Land of Hope and Glory, among others.
She said a parishioner will also read excerpts from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation speech.
Following the service, those in attendance will receive monarch flags and be piped by Cameron Renwick to nearby Sutherland Hall. An extensive display of Royal memorabilia will be on display upstairs with a reception downstairs.
“We go from the church to the hall to party,” said Cunnington with a laugh. “Party hardy for the Queen.”
The reception includes wine, sherry, cheese and cakes with coffee along with a toast to the Queen.
And the five congregation members who received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal will be acknowledged at the reception as well.
Cunnington noted that a celebration by the Anglican church, known as the Church of England, of the diamond jubilee is fitting because Queen Elizabeth II also holds the title of supreme governor of the church. And the Queen, as did her predecessors, is dubbed the defender of the faith as well.
The service of thanksgiving and song takes place Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. at All Saints’ Anglican Church, 30 High St., Huntsville. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Contact the church office at 705-789-2216 for tickets.