Leicester Claremont Street Choir

"An absence of discord amongst the members"

Leicester Claremont Street choir
Claremont Street Book of Remembrance
The story of the choir p1
Claremont Street Book of Remembrance
The story of the choir p2
Claremont Street Book of Remembrance
The story of the choir p3
Claremont Street Book of Remembrance
The story of the choir p4
Claremont Street Book of Remembrance

Englesea Brook Museum holds a booklet published in 1930 to celebrate the jubilee of the building of Claremont Street Primitive Methodist chapel in Belgrave, Leicester.  ”A Book of Remembrance 1880 – 1930″ outlines a brief history but focuses on the people who contributed to the church community:

  • ministers
  • church officers and officials
  • local preachers
  • Trustees
  • Sunday School
  • Choir
  • Women’s work
  • Young People’s societies

The booklet includes hundreds of names and many pictures of those involved.

In 1930 “the property is valued at £22,100.  There are 260 members, 19 Class Leaders, 450 Sunday School scholars and 69 teachers.”  Interesting that value of the property comes first – perhaps reflecting the difficulty early working class Prims had in raising money.

The extracts here describe the role of the Choir.  The picture shows 64 people, so it was quite some size.  They led the hymn singing, sang Services of song and put on contemporary oratorios such as Sullivan’s Prodigal Son, Stainer’s The daughter of Jairus and Gaul’s Holy City.

The Organist and Choirmaster from 1893 – 1930 was Mr G E Hilton JP.  He was appointed at the age on 19 under unfortunate circumstances when a wall fell on his predecessor.  As a choir musical director myself I have great sympathy for the section that says, “One of the happiest features of the choir has been the absence of discord amongst members.  This personal loyalty is profoundly appreciated by the choirmaster.”  You bet it was!


Reference

Claremont Street Primitive Methodist church (1930)  A Book of Remembrance 1880 – 1930 – from the collection of Englesea Brook Chapel Museum

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