Music at St. Serf's

The Organ

When the church was built in 1906 there was no money to buy a pipe organ. However provision was made for one on the South side of the chancel. It was not until the 1930s that the congregation was able to purchase a small second hand organ built by Walcher, a German firm that specialised in small organs. This organ was used until the 1980s. By then it needed a lot of money spent on it for it to remain in use. It was later found that rebuilding was not a viable proposition.

In 2006 a pipe organ, built in 1901 by Wadsworth & Brs., became available from St. Andrew's church at Lochgelly that was closing down. This was just the right size for St Serf’s and about the same age as the church. With help from members of the congregation and friends in the town this was removed and then rebuilt by Sandy Edmonstone in St Serf’s. The opening recital was given in September 2007.

Organ Specification

The Oboe originally fitted was replaced by the Mixture in 1915 by Wadsworth Organ Builders. The Harmonic Flute 4 was replaced by a Principal 4 in 2007 by A F Edmonstone Organ Builder.

This organ was built with tracker action but it was not possible to fit this at St Serfs because of space limitations and it was converted to electronic action in 2007.

Choirs

St Serf’s Choir

There has always been a tradition of a robed choir at St Serf’s. At the moment the choir numbers about seven choristers of all ages. They sing for the Sung Eucharist on Sunday mornings and lead the congregation in the hymn singing and the service music. They also provide a cantor for the responsorial psalm. They often sing a short anthem at the communion. They sing three different mass settings as fits the season and also sing other settings as appropriate. Most of the choir also sing with the ABI Singers.

The ABI Singers

The ABI Singers are a traditional church choir. They came together in 1999 when the ABI Group was formed and it was realised that there would often be a need for a choir at group services. Originally the members came from the three churches in the group but over the years the membership has widened and a number of singers now come from other churches in the area. There are some 18 to 20 singers in the choir. They practice every Tuesday evening in the warmth and comfort of the Director of Music’s house and enjoy singing and socialising. They sing Choral Evensong, Sung Eucharist and sometimes give recitals. They sing in the churches in the group and sometimes are invited to sing in churches further away. They sing on average at least one service a month. They welcome new members.

Choir Dates

Lent III 7th March at 5.00pm

Choral evensong at St James, Goldenacre, Edinburgh

Saturday 27th March at 12 noon

Sung Eucharist for Lady Day at St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth

Palm Sunday 28th March at 6.00pm

Words and music for Passiontide at St Peter’s, Inverkeithing

Thursday 1st April at 11.00am

Sung Eucharist for Maundy Thursday at St Serf’s, Burntisland

Good Friday 2nd April at 6.15pm

Taize music followed by Compline at 7.30pm. St Serf’s, Burntisland