CHORAL evensong for All Saints was taken in St Mary Magdalene Church, Launceston, by James Wonnacott who also acted as cantor in the Responses by William Smith.

The choir sang psalm 150 to the well known setting by Stanford in C and the canticles were sung to a setting by Herbert Brewer in D.

The anthem was ‘Hail glorious spirits’ by the Tudor composer Christopher Tye, which most of the choristers were relieved to sing in their native tongue after singing it in a Cornish translation in September.

The Rev Dr Michael Dobson sang in the choir, which was directed by organist and choirmaster Dr Sean Sweeney assisted by Bernard Pink, and also preached a sermon about the saints. Sharron Wormald read the lessons. ‘For all the Saint’ and ‘At the name of Jesus’ were the hymns sung by the choir and congregation.

At the end of the service most of the congregation stayed to listen to Dr Sweeney playing a toccata by Georgi Mushel.

Next month, instead of the usual choral evensong, on December 1 there will be an Advent carol service at the usual time of 5.30pm. All are welcome.