St Gregory’s Church in Marnhull is preparing for an unusual musical challenge this month when volunteers attempt to play all 847 hymns in the Ancient & Modern hymn book over a continuous 34-hour period.
The Hymnathon will begin on Friday 19th June and continue until Sunday 21st June, with participants working their way through every hymn in the collection, starting with number 847 and finishing with number one.
Many of the hymns are rarely heard in modern church services, making the quirky event a unique chance for visitors to discover unfamiliar pieces alongside well-known favourites.
Organisers are inviting people to drop into the church throughout the weekend to listen, sing along and also to offer encouragement to those taking part.
As part of the event, visitors will also be able to vote for their favourite hymns. The five most popular choices will then be performed during the church’s 10am All Age Worship service on Sunday.
The challenge is also raising money towards the upkeep of the church and its organ, helping to ensure both remain in good working order for future generations.
For a village church more accustomed to a few hymns on a Sunday morning, playing 847 in a single weekend promises to be quite an undertaking.
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