‘Stand on the Faith’ is a brand new song written to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, which is released this Friday 21st July 2023 on Youtube and on Saturday 22nd July on all audio streaming platforms.
The video of the song will be available on the WendyHouseMusic Youtube channel: youtube.com/@WendyHouseMusic The music and lyrics and links to all of the streaming media can be found on the WendyHouseMusic web site: http://wendyhousemusic.co.uk/joomla30/index.php/stand-on-the-faith
Children from Sexton’s Manor School in Bury St Edmunds have been recorded and filmed singing a new song in the form of a contemporary hymn written especially for the 50th anniversary of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, the charity that raises money for church buildings.
As well as the song being released on all streaming platforms and video being released on YouTube, they will sing the song at a special service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in September.
Experienced local musician, songwriter and producer, Andrew Rayner, from Wendy House Music in Felixstowe, wrote the song, recorded and filmed the key stage 2 children at Fornham All Saints church, after being approached by the Trustees of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.
Andy said ‘It was a privilege to be commissioned to write and record this song. As part of the song writing process, it was inspiring researching the history and journey of the Christian faith in Suffolk over the last 1200 years. The lively and celebratory song was written with children in mind and was taught to the whole school by music teacher, Emma Jones.”
Invited to the special cathedral service will be two representatives from every historic Suffolk church, chapel and meeting house.
“This was an amazing opportunity for us at Sexton’s Manor, said music teacher Emma Jones. “The children have loved learning the song and it has become our song of the year! It was a privilege to work with Andy Rayner and to be part of such a great project. The children had great fun recording and filming for the song and can’t wait to show their families and friends the final results of their hard work.”
“The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust is very grateful to Andy Rayner for giving us his time and expertise to create such a joyous modern hymn for our special anniversary, and involving the children in such an exciting project,” explained Rachel Sloane, Trustee of SHCT. “This year we are celebrating fifty years of supporting historic church buildings in Suffolk, with thousands of pounds of grants, raised through legacies and sponsored events such as the annual Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. The service at the cathedral will be the opportunity for church people to come together to mark this great achievement.”
Churches, chapels and Meeting Houses who wish to send representatives to the special service should contact shctcathedral@gmail.com for an invitation or should reply as soon as possible if they have already received an approach, as there are limited tickets available.