Our hardy young piper

It is around 35 years since the first presentation of this cantata by Fr Gerry and David Morris. It was therefore totally appropriate to put it on again during the celebrations for Glasgow 850. The location this time was Kelvin West Parish Church on 4 November, and it was sponsored by Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) and Glasgow Churches Together (GCT).

St-Mungo-cantata-2012-edition

 

As the various schools (6 in total*) arrived, they were welcomed by a young piper from the Glasgow Gaelic School. Then the celebration began with our piper leading us in singing God our Creator to the well known and loved tune of Highland Cathedral, before we were welcomed by Rev Richard Baxter, the Minister of Kelvin West who reminded us that St Mungo had come to Glasgow from elsewhere and had brought people together. All therefore, old and new Glaswegians, were welcomed to Glasgow’s 850th birthday party.

An unusually serious Des MacLean on piano

After an opening prayer by Cpt. Les Heal of GCT, a psalm proclaimed by Marie Hamilton and Roslyn McKendry, and a scripture reading Rev George MacKay, Moderator of Glasgow Presbytery, the Cantata itself began.  The children sang brilliantly, telling the story of St Mungo, founder and patron saint of Glasgow, accompanied by Des McLean on piano, and members of the St Mungo Ensemble. Individual schools took responsibility for leading the different songs and did so brilliantly. We had dancing, courtesy of the Glasgow Gaelic School and also instrumental music on clarsach, violin and accordion.  The celebration ended with intercessions for the city, for families and friends, for all working in the NHS and for those in need. Then we all joined in the Lord’s Prayer.

Bailie Kevin Lalley, on behalf of the Lord Provost, thanked everyone involved in the celebration with heartfelt enthusiasm, congratulating all the schools involved. He said it was great to see the cantata performed again to mark Glasgow’s 850th. The final word went to Canon David Wallace who said that word could only be”wow!” for the display of talents, of spirits and hard work, and he invited everyone to join him in a final round of applause. He also expressed, on behalf of all involved, thanks to Elspeth Glasgow for pulling everything together.

And so we finished with John Bell’s wonderful The Summons- Will you come and follow me?

 

 

* Schools: Miltonbank, Our Lady of the Missions, St Anne’s, St Francis, St Nicholas, The Glasgow Gaelic School