Music

Anglican Parish of St. Lawrence

Music

The Parish of St. Lawrence has a very accomplished professional Music Director, Mr. Jeff Reusing (B.Mus., M.Mus., ARCT), who plays the organ for church services, and directs two choirs.

The Gentlemen and Youth Choir tradition continues at St Peter's. The Men & Boys choir began in 1968 was delighted to begin welcoming girls in 1998. The young people practice twice weekly, and sing about three times a month at services.

The adult mixed choir rehearses once a week. It is probably fair to say that the repertoire is more challenging (and interesting) than average. They sing in service about two times a month.

For further information, contact Mr. Reusing through the church office. Singers are always welcome!

Parish of St. Lawrence Music.

Practice Schedule

Sept.-June

• Mixed Choir: Tuesdays 7 p.m.
• Youth: Wednesdays & Fridays 4-5:30 p.m.
• Contemporary group every other Sat morning.

Feel free to call the church office for further information

The Music Director

Jeff Reusing was born and raised in Dorval, Quebec where he began music studies at the age of six. His grandmothers were both accomplished pianists (one was a priest's wife and enthusiastic organist) and his music teacher, Alice Smiley, was herself a fine Anglican church organist. Jeff began his organ career substituting at his home parish of St. Mark's and at the age of fifteen was employed regularly at the local Christian Science Church! He pursued a career in piano, completing a Bachelor's degree at Queen's University in Kingston and studying at the graduate degree level at UBC and McGill. He maintained his interest in the organ, settling at Montreal West Presbyterian Church through the 1980s.

After "coming home" to the Anglican church of St. Barnabas, St. Lambert, Jeff completed a Master's degree in Church Music at McGill where he studied with John Grew and Patrick Wedd. Jeff has performed as an organ/piano accompanist and soloist extensively across Canada, from the Maritimes through to Vancouver as well as in the US and Britain. In addition to playing and teaching keyboard instruments, Jeff has directed Church and community choirs for more than twenty years, presently including the Brockville Community Choir.

Organ Bells

Bell Chimers : Don and Linda Wright

From the booklet "A Tale of a Parish," written by Derwyn D. Jones, we have the following information on the Tubular Bells.

At a special Vestry meeting in 1897, when the Ven. Thomas Bedford-Jones was Rector, "The parish decided on a memorial to Queen Victoria: a set of tubular bells for the tower." He was instrumental in the acquisition of the bells, but he died before they were installed and played. Thomas was succeeded by his son, the Rev. Harold Hudson Bedford-Jones as Rector of St. Peter's. He was inducted as Rector of the parish on November 27, 1901, and at the same time the tubular bells were played for the first time. These have been an integral part of the parish since then.