This post complements the September Services one with the main events of the month ahead. You may use the Events Page and the Events Categories to get more details about these and other forthcoming events.
At the start of the new academic year it’s good to welcome back our students and others, and we offer a warm invitation to any to explore this unique corner of Exeter with its fine music, Anglo-catholic worship and friendly fellowship.
On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Sep, St Michael’s will be open all day, 9am-6pm, for the Heritage Open Days weekend, but please avoid 12noon-3pm on Saturday as there is a Wedding.
Wednesday 17th Sep at 7.30pm, the St Michael’s Recitals 2nd Season starts with our Organist, Dr Nigel Browne, demonstrating the many facets of our new pipe organ. “Everything you ever wanted to know about the new organ but were afraid to ask!” Entrance fee on the door, £5 (£3 concessions), to support music at St Michael’s.
Any friends in the West Midlands might like to note that on Saturday 20th September the Choir is making a trip to St Leonard’s Chapel, Newland, Worcester, WR13 5AX, to sing Evensong & Benediction at 4.00pm. This is part of the Beauchamp Community’s 150th Anniversary programme; the founder of St Michael’s, William Gibbs, is commemorated in the nave of the Chapel, alongside his daughter, Albinia.
The St Michael’s Lectures resume on Wednesday 24th Sep at 7.30pm with with Revd Dr Susan Durbar, Theology Coordinator at Christian Aid. The monthly lectures explore contemporary issues connected with faith, Christianity and society. These are still free with a retiring collection to cover costs.
Our Michaelmas Celebration Weekend starts on Friday evening, 26th September at 7.30pm. Hymns & Pimms – a fun Fund-raising variation on Songs of Praise. Relax with Drinks & nibbles, sponsor & vote for your favourite Hymns, then sing them lustily accompanied by our new Pipe Organ.
Our Monday 29th Sep at 7.30pm Sung Mass for Michaelmas will be followed by a Bring & Share Party.
And the Answer to the previous post’s Question – that carving of St Michael is above the entrance to a large brick building in Star Street, London W2, a short walk from Paddington Station towards the Edgeware Road. It looks like it may have been a religious house or school, and now houses an International Community School.
ICS, Star Street, Paddington, London
It is adjacent to the empty site of the former St Michael & All Angels Church, Paddington, designed by Major Rohde Hawkins and funded by William Gibbs, built in 1861 at the opposite end of the Great Western Railway from Exeter. This “sister” church of our St Michael’s was bomb-damaged in 1941, closed around 1965, its Parish re-amalgamated with St John’s, Hyde Park, and demolished a few years later. I have not been able to find any images of it online.