St Barnabas Jericho, celebrating 150 years

The Poetry of St Barnabas

Her azure-blue apse takes your breath away. Sometimes before rehearsals I like to lie on the floor, over the warm pipes, gazing up at the ceiling, nothing to do but imagine cleaning the settled smoke and dust away to reveal the intricate decorative patterns. A century and a half of incense has made its mark.

A million shades of light, one for each minute of each day of each year. Sometimes sombre, a golden half-light, other times radiant especially when the magnificent turquoise apse is illuminated.

Memories, many shared. Choirs, music and community. But sometimes it’s just me, closing the big red door. Songs still vibrating in the ether.

Two poets admired St Barnabas. A poem by Sir John Betjeman. Perhaps a little irreverent.

Heathcote Williams felt she deserved better. He loved to come to the Jericho Singers Christmas concert and sit by the 4th pillar on the right each year.  With Vivien Crew until she sadly passed away. His poem more explicitly full of love and celebration. My labour of love then to to bring music to these words.

Betjemen’s poem, Be thine abode, recorded with a host of natural reverb on the church's own grand piano, played with the enlightened touch of pianist Tim Lapthorn.

Heathcote’s poem, In the Heart of Jericho, also recorded in St Barnabas accompanied by the elegant guitar playing of Ben Avison.

How lovely it is. What a joy to listen to it. I love the way the initial line rises and carries you aloft. Maybe it will get people to reflect a smidgeon, and see the hymn format in a new light. Hope so. Heathcote.

Sir John Betjemen and Heathcote Williams were both involved in the campaign to save life on and around the Oxford Canal. More information at www.jlht.org and www.oxfordcanalheritage.org

Find out more about St Barnabas Church and the 150 year celebrations here https://www.sbarnabas.org.uk/150