‘Last’ church service before we Revitalise with Purpose

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – 20 July 2025, 10 AM

“Few things are needed – indeed only one”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: The St Michael’s Singers & Rhys Boak (Organ)

As we start our revitalisation journey, we are holding a special service in the church.

Join us our ‘last’ Sunday service and celebrate St Michael’s life, community and history as we prepare for our temporary departure from the church to the hall during the revitalisation project.
Enjoy liturgy, prayer, reflection and a grand finale from our pipe organ played by Rhys Boak.

Each piece of music chosen for the service has been carefully considered to reflect St Michael’s special moments:

The introit (processional)

‘I was glad’ by Eric Thiman (1900-1975).
Eric Thiman was based in the UK but came to Melbourne to give the opening recital on the then newly rebuilt organ at St Michael’s in 1958.

First Music for reflection

‘We wait for thy loving kindness, O God’ by Sir. William McKie (1901-1984).
William McKie was born in Collingwood, Melbourne. He was the Melbourne City organist for many years before taking up the post as the Organist at Westminster Abbey, presiding over the music for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. He remains one of Melbourne’s most prominent composers and musical figures. His music has often been performed at St. Michael’s.

Second music for reflection

‘There’s a wideness in God’s mercy’ – Louis Vierne (1870-1937). Words by Francis A. Macnab
Though Vierne wrote this anthem originally as a motet called ‘Tantum Ergo’. It was set to new words written by the former Minister of St Michael’s, Francis Macnab by Rhys Boak in 2010.

Postlude:

Toccata for organ, Joseph Jongen (1873-1953)
This organ toccata will be a suitable and memorable grand finale for the organ before it is removed by the Australian Pipe Organs repair work.

The St Michael’s organ is undergoing cleaning and repair work as part of the revitalisation project. Now in its 158th year of service, some leather work will be replaced and some worn mechanical parts replaced as well.
The faded gold paint of the organ’s front pipes (there are over 2,300 pipes behind the ones you see) will be re-gilded, restoring the once vibrant appearance of the organ.

It will be restored to St Michael’s at the completion of the revitalisation work.