Though the Anglican Church in the Province of the West Indies (CPWI) has long done away with cloaking itself in the nomenclature of Church of England, some of its ties remain.

Its recent celebration of the 200th anniversary as the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands — the centripetal point being marked by the arrival of its first bishop in 1824 — showed completely the long ‘coming of age’ with the dominance of local musical scores guiding the worship service.

Most notable these days is that the sway of clerical robes is not limited to the gusts off the Caribbean Sea; instead, the movement in worship is on account of the talents of local musicians being immersed in the sacred music.

Special guest for the anniversary occasion was the sitting Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who made mention of the mission of the church developing its own identity.

The archbishop’s arrival was preceded by the Church of the Transfiguration Steel Band delivering an arrangement of Jamaican choruses dubbed Spirit Medley, by Samantha Williams. The group also delivered Rohan Bailey’s pan arrangement of Ernie Smith’s All For Jesus.

The procession into the National Arena was supported by youngsters from Central Branch Primary School leading Lloyd Hall’s Jamaica, Land of Beauty as well as the choir and musicians, conducted by Audley Davidson, contributing Noel Dexter’s O Praise Ye The Lord, whose arrangement of Psalm 23, The Lord Is My Shepherd, was the psalm for the service.

Programme notes indicate that the music for the official clergy procession was written by Eric Levy, former organist at St Michael’s and All Angels, Kingston, March of the Caribbean Pilgrims (1973).

Rev Captain Dwane Blackwood (left), who wrote the 200th anniversary hymn for the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, acknowledges the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the service in the National Arena.

Music for the mass of the service was composed by young Anglicans Everton Clarke and Rev Daren Evans, who incorporated distinct Rastafarian and Revival rhythms and syncopation, supporting Jamaican Patois text for the Kyrie (Lawd have mercy pon wi soul), Gloria in Excelsis (Glory to Maasa God, oh!), Alle-Alle-Alle-uia, and memorial acclamations. The Sanctus was scored by Jamaican Mapletoft Poulle — who along with his wife Christine Alison Poulle (later Lindo) and Robert Lightbourne scored the Jamaican National Anthem, written by Sir Hugh Sherlcok, which closed the service.

The music for the Lord’s Prayer was arranged from Buju Banton’s Our Father In Zion.

Also of note at the celebrations was that choral anthem was scored by well-known musician Paulette Bellamy, Sing Unto The Lord, based on Psalm 26.

The hymns sung during the offertory and presentation of gifts also were touched by the hands of Jamaicans. The tune Father Lord was written by Roman Catholic priest Fr Richard Ho Lung, whose hymn I Am The Way closed the celebration of Holy Eucharist. As well, a selection from Hymns Ancient and Modern, God Is Working His Purpose Out (now included in the CPWI Hymnal), was adorned by a descant from former Kingston College Chapel Choir (KCCC) Director Donald C Morris.

For the administration of communion We Come Now To Your Table was used. The words and music came out of the Jamaica Workshop of the Caribbean Conference of Churches. This was followed by Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ to the well-known tune of folk song Linstead Market.

One of the highlights of the service was the debut of the hymn commissioned for the occasion of the 200th anniversary Through The Years Of Our Great Nation.

Following the submission of a number of entries, a committee of laity and clergy selected this hymn written by young Anglican priest Rev Captain Dwane Blackwood. The tune was then scored by accomplished Jamaican organist Dr Richard Beckford.

Musical Director Audley Davidson

Director of Music Audley Davidson, himself director of the acclaimed KCCC and Diocesan Festival Choir, told the Jamaica Observer that, “Traditional music continues to morph with the times. We have love and respect for the music of hundreds of years, but the church in Jamaica has several accomplished musicians who continue to develop our own traditions. It’s not only the patios Bible that’s a feature these days, the music is completely Jamaican. More churches should be introducing these quality local selections; they are lively and thoughtfully written, not mere one-line choruses.”

Suffragan Bishop of Kingston Garth Minott made special mention of the musicians involved in the execution of the service, who programme notes list from Michelle Bromley on organ to Keary Francis on tambourine. On trap set was Norman Webster with Livingston Burnett and Dr Homer Morgan III on piano. Other instrumentalists included timpanist, trumpeter, bassist, flautist and conga drummers.

Though only a few congregations still hold true to the melodious strains of pipe organs, the replacing electric consoles, keyboards and drums have a selection of local church music to undergird the worship experience that still reverb from the stained glass windows of the many Anglican churches in Jamaica.

— MAT