Delight in Song

George Bayley, esteemed organist at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Lewes, Delaware, has been writing and publishing a whole host of new work. His latest is an amazing compilation of 101 Hymns and Songs of the Celtic Spirit, written and complied by George Bayley and the Rev. Dr. Dwyn Mounger. The music is bound in a form that allows for printing both of a complete score and melody line and words in a form that can be put into service leaflets. When purchased, license is given by the publisher, Deerwood Publishers, for reproduction and use in congregations.

In the prefaced the authors write, "How remarkable is the widespread 21st century rediscovery of ancient Celtic Christianity by church folk of many different traditions who see in its ethos promising possibilities for renewal of the faith in our time!...As part of the quest for renewal we present this collection of hymn and song texts and music that ranges from the early Church through the Middle Ages and the Reformation, the 18th and 19th century high mark of British and American hymnody, on down to the present."

It is a fine selection and I hope many of you will find it a valuable addition to your church's music library. Copies, along with the license to reprint for choirs and congregations, are available at $65 from Deerwood Music, 19610 Buck Run, Georgetown, Delaware, 19947-5336. You can write George at deerwoodmusic@comcast.net.

George has been kind enough to ask me to write some texts that he has set to music. I have already posted a note on the first of those efforts - The Healing River.

He has since created musical settings for two more texts I wrote: a Christmas song for children, "Born Long Ago" and a piece written for our Diocesan Convention, "You go before Lord." Hopefully I will be able to post a video version of the second shortly. It is wonderful to be in a parish where such creative people are at work and play.