Daffodil Day
On Monday 5th March we were privileged to be invited to attend the Daffodil Day, at Westminster Central Hall, organised by the London District of Methodist Women in Britain. As we approached Central Hall there were Pearly Queens selling Marie Curie daffodils which most people wore.
On entering the main hall, we sat in the balcony, and there was a breathtaking display of daffodils all around. There was also the newly refurbished organ, which was an impressive centrepiece above the main stage. The Contemporary Worship Leader led us in community hymn singing before the actual meeting began.
At 2.00pm Rev. Martin Turner, the Superintendent Minister, welcomed everyone to the meeting and said that he hoped everyone would find the worship enlightening. All the hymns were on PowerPoint and from Singing the Faith.
The opening hymn by David Mowbray was “Come to us Creative Spirit” and was followed by prayers led by Mrs Ollie McEwen of the London District.
Greetings were then brought by Honorary Alderman Anne Mallinson OBE the 80 year old Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster.
Gerard Brooks, Director of Music at Central Hall then introduced the theme “In Praise of Music” in which he spoke of the role of music in worship. The lesson was a responsive version of Psalm 150 from Common Worship.
The first soloist of the day was a wonderful tenor by the name of Anando Mukerjee who gave a wonderful rendering of The Holy City and later in the programme a very sincere rendering of “I’ll Walk with God”.
In order to demonstrate the range of adaptability of the refurbished 4 manual organ, Gerrard Brooks played the Toccata from Symphony No.5 by C.M. Widor. This really was a spectacular performance which truly demonstrated the magnificence of the instrument.
Rev. Tony Miles, Deputy Superintendent Minister, interviewed Mandy Watsham Dunstall, a Baptist from Chesham, the second soloist of the day. Mandy’s strong soprano voice rang around Central Hall as she sang “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square”. Later in the afternoon Mandy sang “I don’t know how to love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar.
Jackie Spencer, Director of the Kent Choristers gave some background relating to the choir when interviewed by Gerard Brooks. This group of young people was formed 8 years ago with 12, 11-14 year olds. The group has grown and now numbers 50 members all of whom attend Kent College Canterbury. They rehearse Monday and Wednesday lunchtimes and Friday morning before chapel. Their harmony was superb when they sang “Lord make me an Instrument of your Peace”.
Mrs. Jill Baker then spoke of her recent visit to Ghana where she travelled over 1000km visiting various projects, she then spoke of our commitment to social justice and also the aspiration to worship in new ways.
Following this the whole congregation of approximately 2000 people sang “Beauty for Brokeness”, during which the collection was taken. This was to cover the cost of the expenses. The prayer of dedication and prayers for others were led by women of the London Network District.
Rev. Steve Wild, chairman of the Cornwall district brought along his friends Clarence and Florence (frog puppets) and greetings from Cornwall the location of this year’s Methodist Conference. He told us that there is to be an ordination in Gwennap Pit, where John Wesley preached. Due to British weather everyone attending is to be issued with a white plastic cape. He then reminded us that Methodism was born in song and on some occasions John Wesley would sing in a market place to attract a crowd. “Whether you are a crow or a nightingale the Lord delights in hearing singing” and music has played a very important role in evangelism.
Following the singing of “O For a Thousand Tongues” Psalm 98 was read as the lesson for the day. Rev. Martin Turner, Superintendent Minister at Central Hall, gave an address entitled ‘What are You Singing’. He began by telling the story of a cremation. The lady was a Gracie Fields fan and had requested that the song ‘Sally’ was played as the coffin drifted away. Due to a technical error by someone who pressed the wrong button the coffin drifted away to ‘Wish me Luck as you Wave me Goodbye’. He told us that the love of God should fill us and we should spread The Word. The past doesn’t matter and it is never too late to make a new beginning. God loves each person and will make you a new person.
The final hymn which rang around Central Hall was ‘To God be the Glory’ - a moving experience.
After 2 hours, which flew by, the blessing was pronounced and the meeting concluding with an organ voluntary.
Anyone who knew of a sick or housebound person was invited to take a bunch of daffodils from the stunning display at the front of the hall.
Enid M. Bishop