Singing, Worship and Music

By 1932

The early choir

A choir of more than 45 people, from age ten upward, was led by organist Mrs Boobyer. The choir continued after the move to Baytree Road, singing anthems and cantatas.

Mid 20th century

Choir nights and cantatas

Friday choir practices supported visits to country churches and performances of traditional and newer American cantatas. The formal choir later ended, while other singing groups continued.

The first instruments

A reed organ was used in the early building. The precise details of the first organ remain unclear in the archive.

1951 to 1976

Compton electric organ

A legacy enabled the church to install a Compton electric organ. George Day gave an opening recital, and organists included Allan Thompson, Antony Fry, Mr Patt and George Butt.

From 1976

Pipe organ

A pipe organ was installed for the jubilee year and moved position as the building changed. Organ-led worship continued until the late 1990s.

From 1966

The Milton Singers

The group, together with Eric Darling's recorder group, took part in festivals, made a record, appeared on television, travelled abroad and shared holidays.

Milton Consort

The Milton Consort served during George Butt's time.

1976 to 2006

Weston Gospel Male Voice Choir

Roy and Doreen Horsnell helped establish the choir. It sang gospel, traditional, Welsh and modern music at rallies, churches, homes and the Colston Hall. Charles Voyle and later Peter and Pat Hilder continued its leadership before it closed in 2006.

Music, drama and outreach

During D. Marc Owen's ministry, Marc and Sarah developed music and drama, including A Grain of Mustard Seed.

From the 1970s

Horfield Prison

Singers and drama teams made regular Sunday visits to Horfield Prison. Barbara Robinson, Val Ing and others helped sustain this careful and valued ministry.

From 1999

Worship in the new building

The move to Worle School introduced more piano and guitar-led worship. The new building opened without an organ. A grand piano and then an electronic piano served until 2025, with musicians including Matt Tupper, Pat Hilder and Val Ing. A new electronic keyboard arrived at the end of 2025.

The continuing song

Styles and instruments have changed over 100 years, but music continues to help the church worship God and share the same good news of Jesus.