A CHURCH will hold a special reception to mark the revival of a long forgotten traditional choral service.

St Mary’s Church in Maldon has been awarded a grant to organise the event following the success of choral evensong.

Evensong is a 45-minute-long church service, in which the “song” of the choir is heard at the “even”

point of the day and night.

In November 2015 the church was involved in an unusual blessing service for evensong.

It saw Father John Dickens join other vicars around the UK in an unorthodox ceremony to mark the launch of a new website promoting the service.

During the ceremony Fr Dickens blessed a laptop with incense describing it as the most “peculiar” item he had ever blessed.

St Mary’s choir, Maldon, sings evensong every first Sunday of the month at 6pm.

The choir will perform a special programme of music on Sunday, February 26.

It will feature an address by the Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral and will be followed by a reception in the Octagon, behind the church.

Colin Baldy, choir director, said: “Choral Evensong was created in 1549, when Henry Eighth created the Church of England and has, over the centuries, inspired thousands of composers to write stunning music for it.

“The Bishop of Chelmford, Rt. Rev Stephen Cottrell, has described it as a ‘fantastic free concert’.”

John Rutter, royal wedding composer and conductor, said: “Choral Evensong gladdens the heart, ravishes the ear, and restores the soul.”

All are welcome to attend. To help with catering email brenda@wifi-it.com.

For more information visit www.choralevensong.org.