This service marks the end of Lent, and starts in a celebratory style, the Gloria is sung and bells are rung, but as the service proceeds the tone becomes more serious and it ends with the stripping of the alter and the Gethsemane Watch at the Easter garden. The garden was prepared by a flower arranger and was candle lit for the vigil.
The Choir sing an antiphonal psalm and the congregation leave in silence.
On Good Friday there was a said Mattins at 11:30 am. In the afternoon at 2 pm there was a service of readings and music in contemplation of the Cross. This year we had, in addition to the Gospel readings, some poems continuing the theme of sacrifice and salvation. Interspersed were Good Friday Hymns and music. The Choir sang the spiritual 'Where you there', O Saviour of the world' setting by John Goss, and 'Ah Holy Jesu'
On Easter even the Service of Easter vigil, combining the lighting of the Pascal Candle, the renewal of baptism vows and the first mass of Easter took place starting at 7:30. The new fire was used to light the Pascal Candle outside the church and the congregation lit their own candles from the Pascal Candle. The light was brought into the Church and the service began. This liturgy, incorporating the renewal of baptism vows, dates from the very early church, and ends with the first Eucharist of Easter 'Christ is Risen!!'
