Recent News

Monday 30th August 2010

Tonight saw our preperations continue for our forthcoming CD Recording. Work was done on songs such as 'A Jubilant Song', 'He leadeth me', Singin' in the Heavenly choir' and 'Praise His Holy name'. Songster Stephen pentland led our Devotional period, where we shared in the chorus by Commissioner Keith Banks, 'Rhythms of Grace'. It is with regret that we annonce that due to pressures of work

Colin Mcfarlane is stepping down from his role as Deputy Songster Leader.

 

Sunday 29th August 2010

Today saw the visit of our Divisional Commanders Vic & Miriam Kennedy, Major Vic challenging us in our Holiness meeting to our

ministry and involvement in our local community where the need for Christ and the Army are great. The meeting also saw the enrollment of two new Junior Soldiers, Lucy Wight & Arran McMillan. The songsters contributing Derick Kane's 'Divine Right'.

In the evening, Major Miriam's theme was the 'Grace of God', and again we were richly blessed. The songsters sharing the beautiful 'Grace Alone'.

Monday 23rd August 2010

Tonight saw our annual visit to Glasgow West Corps, and yet again we were thrilled to see a capacity congregation share in the evening, which took the form of a cafe church. The songsters opening with 'A Jubilant Song before presenting the beautiful 'Breathe' which had the added enhancement of dance from Songster Elanor O'May. Other contributions from the songsters included, 'Hallowed by Your name', 'To God be the Glory', 'Obedience', & 'The Christian Mission'. Soloist for the evening were, Fraser Ramsay, Horn who played 'Demelza' and Brian Allan, piano, presenting a beautiful arrangement of 'Just as I am'. Songster Sergeant Elma Stewart spoke on 'RESTORATION',with the songsters singing 'My Shepherd' & 'Divine Right'. The songster timbrels presented a display to 'Sandi Patti's 'Let there be Praise'.

Sunday22nd August 2010

Today was our YP Anniversary and we celebrated with the visit of the YP Band & Singing Company from Gorgie. The Holiness meeting had the theme of 'Superheroes' and YP Band Segeant Ian Midwinter spoke of how Jesus was our Superhero and how we must put all our faith in him as we live our daily lives. The visitong YP sections excelled in their musical contributions.

In the afternoon the home YP sections joined with our visitors to present massed items and individual items. Govan YP Band played 'God is Good', and recognition was given to YP Band Leader Fraser Ramsay, who stepped down from this position, having served as Asst Leader & Leader for a total of 9 years. YPSM, Laura Moore, made a presentation to Fraser before introducing the new YP Band team - Leader David Cochrane, Asst Leader Adam Moore & YP Musicians Sergeant Grace Baxter. We pray God's blessing on the new team and say a BIG THANK YOU to Fraser for all his hard work and dedication over the years working with the young people.

Monday 16th August 2010

Tonight in rehearsal we continued our preperations for our annual visit to Glasgow West Corps, which takes place next Monday evening. Songs rehearsed for the festival included, 'Step Out', 'A Jubilant Song'. 'Divine Right' & 'To God be the Glory'

Sunday 15th August 2010

This morning we shared in the dedication of, Ava Lily Golden, daughter of Wendy & Maurice. The service was conducted by Commissioner Keith Banks, whose thought from scripture was a challenge to the congregation. At the request of Maurice & Wendy the songsters featured Audrey Ramsay in 'Somebody's prayin'. In the evening to mark the return from holiday we shared in a corps barbecue in the hall car park. This event attracted many from the community and we were able to make many contacts.

Monday 9th August 2010

We returned for our first rehearsal of the season and although some songsters are still on holiday, the songster leader introduced to us an 'oldie' Lily Heming's, 'Step out!' and then the challenging & beautiful 'Deep.deep love' from the pen of Terry Butler arranged by Mark Hayes, which features tenor Matt Ramsay, as soloist. In our devotions we were given a strong challenge for our new season by our sergeant Elma Stewart, before we shared in fellowship with a cuppa, provided by the ever faithful, Helena.

Sunday 8th August 2010

This morning's Holiness meeting was conducted by Lt Colonel Robert McIntyre, the Colonel reminding us that as individuals we are all 'special' in the eyes of Jesus. The songsters contributing the beautiful Gowans & Larsson song 'I'll not turn back'.

Tuesday 27th July 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to our newest grandparents, Songsters Ann & Willie Wilson, following the safe arrival of a son,Nicolas Henry Valencia today at 5.15am weighing in at 7lbs 10 oz. We also pass on our best wishes to the proud parents, Sharon & Henry.

Saturday 24th July 2010

NEWLY WEDS - Congratulations Mr & Mrs Colin Hammerton - we send our love & best wishes to you both

Sunday 11th July 2010

NEWLY WEDS - Congratulations Mr & Mrs Adam Moore - we send our love & best wishes to you both

Thursday 1st July 2010

We say a big 'thank you' to Songsters Betty & Jim McManus who following our weekend at Regent Hall have retired from the songsters. Betty served some time ago as Asst Sergeant and more recently Jim served as Librarian & Organising Secretary. Betty & Jim have given so much to the songsters and it was fitting that their final weekend should be our successful campaign to Regent Hall.

We wish them a very Happy Retirement.

Wednesday 30th June 2010

Please find pictures from our weekend campaign to Regent Hall in our Latest Pictures section. Other pictures of the weekend can be found at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=7799076966

Sunday 27th June 2010

We arrived at the hall early for our first March of Witness, along Oxford Street, before holding our morning open air service. A large cosmopolitan congregation gathered for our Holiness meeting, which had the theme 'Rhythms of Grace'. Commissioner Keith lead the meeting in his own impecable style and brought immense challenge which saw nine people kneel in rededication to God. The songsters featured 'Grace Alone' and 'Somebody prayed for me', during a period of Intercessory Prayer. A feature of this meeting was the singing of Commissioner Keith's chorus, 'Rhythms of Grace'.

Following lunch, we lined up in the foyer of the 'Rink' before marching out in style to the very hot (90 deg), Oxford Street. To see the busy London traffic halted and thousands of people stop to listen, video and photograph the Army, was something that will NEVER be forgotten by the songsters. What an honour and privilege it was to minister in this way as we shared with the thousands of shoppers and tourists.

Despite there being another attraction (England v Germany) on TV, a large congregation gathered for our final festival of the weekend.

The songsters presented 'A Jubilant Song', 'Hallowed be your name' , 'To God be the Glory' and 'Precious Jesus'. It was also a delight to sing two songs with the composers in attendance, 'Obedience' (Major John Martin) and 'I believe' (Commissioner Keith Banks).

Soloists featured were Fraser Ramsay (Tenor Horn), who played 'A Living Prayer', Lorna McIntyre - 'Through it all I choose to serve the Saviour' and Matt Ramsay - 'Suddenly'. Major John Martin conducted the massed songsters in Len Ballantine's, 'And you will be my Witnesses', before Govan Songsters conclued the weekend with the appropriate 'The Christian Mission'.

This was a fantastic weekend in the history of Govan Songsters and one that will be remembered for evermore. We thank our hosts at Regent Hall for their organisiation and superb welcome.

Saturday 26th June 2010

As we gathered at Glasgow Airport at 8.30am the excitement was evident as we set off for our visit to London, and Regent Hall.

Arriving at Stansted on time, we were warmly greeted by S/Ldr Major John Martin & D/S/Ldr Mark, and then set off on our coach trip to central London, with John and Mark acting as 'tour guides'. On arriving at 'The Rink' we found ourselves with a few hours 'free time', where some took in some sight seeing and shopping, others enjoyed lunch or a coffee followed by some time to put their feet up.

The festival commenced with the songsters marching in to 'Montreal Citadel' played by the Regent Hall Band, who gave superb support throughout the weekend. The songsters opened with 'God of my Praise' followed by 'This Day' and then proclaimed why they were at Regent Hall for the weekend in singing 'We Preach Christ'

The guest soloists for the evening, Anna Lamplough (saxophone) and Dudley Bright (Trombone) showed expertise in their respective instruments and between solos shared their own experience. Executive Officer, Commissioner Keith Banks, brought great challenge in his word, focusing on the song 'Arms open wide' which featured Matt Ramsay. Other soloists from the brigade were Elanor O'May who presented a superb performance of 'They could not', Moira Wilson - 'Make His praise glorious' and Audrey Ramsay 'He had to hold to Calvary'.

We were honoured to have share with us in the congregation our new Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry Swanson with Commissioner Sue Swanson, Commissioner Bill Cochrane, and former Commanding Officers, Commissioners Robin & Shona Forsyth.

Monday 21st June 2010

Tonight saw us have our final rehearsal before our weekend to Regent Hall, however, we did continue with our traditional end of season

rehearsal, where former songsters who still worship with us on a Sunday, joined with us in an evening of music making and fellowship.

We shared in songs that will be used at Regent Hall, 'A Jubilant Song', 'Hallowed be your name',' This Day', 'Jesus is Alive' & Commissioner Keith's 'Rhythms of Grace'.

Many songsters shared experiences of their time in the brigade and how this part of their service to God had played a major part in their lives. Before we all joined in a time of fellowship with tea/coffee and the traditional strawberry tarts, Lt Colonel Robert McIntyre led us in our devotions and brought great challenge to us prior to our campaign to Regent Hall. Presentations were made to two couples from the brigade who will get married over the summer period, Laura & Adam and Lorna & Colin, we pray God's blessing on their marriages. A presentation was also made to Betty & Jim McManus who after many years service as songsters & local oficers will retire from the songsers following our weekend at Regent Hall.

Sunday 20th June 2010

This weekend saw us celebrate the retirement, following 40 years of leadership, of Singing Company Leader, Clare Williams.

Last night commenced with a celebration meal attended by many former Singing Company members, before an almost capacity hall

enjoyed an excellent evening of music making provided by our singing company. Memories of Clare's leadership were shared by present

& former members and Singing Company soloists past and present excelled.

The special guest for the weekend, former member, Lt Clare Allman, led a thought provoking Holiness meeting, where we were challenged to never take our eyes of Jesus, and to follow him in all that we do. The afternoon meeting saw the Singing Company

share songs that have been used over the years of Clare's leadership. We also witnessed the enrollment of new 7 Junior Musicians and also the Commissioning of our new Singing Company Leader Matt Ramsay. We pray God's blessing on Matt as he understakes this role and his ministry with the young people. Matt will be supported by newly appointed Junior Musician's Sergeant, Grace Baxter, YPSM Laura Kilgour and CYS Lorna McIntyre.

Sunday 13th June 2010

With this being music and soloist sunday the Songsters opened the meeting with our own Executive Officers' Commissioner Keith Banks' 'I believe'. During the meeting the Songsters sung the very effective ''He Had To Hold To Calvary' featuring soloist Audrey Ramsay. The evening meeting took a different form with many soloist featuring including Elanor O'May, Andrew Butters, Eve Young and guest soloist Stuart Hutchinson from Clydebank. The songsters contributed to the meeting with 'A Jubilant Song'. Please find new monthly thought added to section provided by the Songsters Canada Tour Guide, Major John Mills.

Monday 7th June 2010

Tonight saw our annual trip to present a programme at Auchlochan, Lesmahagow. The beautiful setting saw an almost packed room where the Songsters were able to sing songs recently added to their repertoire. Songs included: 'Hallowed Be Your Name', 'A Jubilant Song', 'To God Be the Glory'. Other songs included 'Arms Open Wide' featuring Matt Ramsay, 'My Life Must be Christ's Broken Bread' and 'We Preach Christ'. YPBL Fraser Ramsay sensitively thrilled the audience with the Tenor Horn solo, 'A Living Prayer', a song that was made famous by singer, Alison Krauss. Guest Speaker Lt. Colonel Robert McIntyre inspired and blessed the congregation with words about being gracious to others,the Songsters appropriately presented the beautiful 'Grace Alone'. After the programme, the Songsters were grateful of the hospitality provided by former Songsters Malcolm and Anza Cassidy in their lovely home.

Sunday 16th May 2010

Today was 'Home & Family Sunday' and we were delighted to have share with us Majors Laurie & Simone Robertson from IHQ.

In our Holiness meeting the Majors gave a firm background of their own family lives and experiences, their challenging words saw comrades kneel in rededication. The songsters contributing to worship with the beautiful song 'This Day'.

The afternoon was a more relaxed style worship with the Majors giving a background of their appointments as officers, the Majors were supported by our YP Band and Singing Company.

Sunday 9th May 2010

This morning we were thrilled to witness the Senior Soldier enrollment of, Eve Young. We shared in a very traditional meeting planned by Eve herself and shared with many of Eve's family & friends. It was encouraging to listen to Eve's positive testimony where she shared of her knowledge of Christ in her life. The songsters added to the ceremony by singing 'I'll not turn back'.

Our evening meeting conducted by Major Derek, focussed on Candidates Sunday, the songsters sharing, Thomas Mack's 'By His hand'.

Monday 3rd May 2010

Tonight saw a Corps social evening to raise funds for the Songsters forthcoming weekend to Regent Hall in June. After a meal was provided by Songster Helena Coachrane and her team of helpers, the rest of the night took the form of cabaret style with many different items from members of our Songsters and Young People. Acts included 'Mamma Mia' (Vocal Duet: Louise Gibb & Lauren Hay), Piano Solo (Rebecca Hay), 'Pools & Oceans' (Vocal Duet: Moira & Emma Wilson), Scottish Medley (Ruth Cochrane), Piano Solo (Brian Allan), 'Saviour Came When I Was Needy (Audrey Ramsay), Poem (Callum Gibb) & Michael Buble's 'Home' and 'Haven't Met You Yet' (Matt Ramsay) as well as accompaniment to Scottish songs from David Cochrane (Accordian), David Wilson (Bass Guitar) & Scott Cochrane (Drums).

Sunday 25th April

We have just experienced a fantastic weekend with The International Staff Band. The w/e commenced with an 'Army' music day on Saturday,organised by our band & held at Paisley Citadel. Four bands, Govan,West Scotland Fellowship, Clydebank & Bellshill all presented hour long programmes. The large audience who gathered were treated to a feast of various music. The Saturday evening saw a 55o audience at Paisley Town Hall share in a concert filled with exciting music including 'Turris Fortissima', Variations on a Celestial Theme' and ' Seize the Day', plus exquisite solos from Derick Kane & Richard Woodrow.

Sunday morning worship was conducted by the bands executive Officer, Lt Colonel David Hinton, a former DC in West Scotland Division, the band were supported in this meeting by our YP Band & Singing Company. The capacity congregation on Sunday afternoon were again treated to some 'debut' performances in 'Deus Invictus' & 'Ellacombe Chronicles' and superb solos from Carl Nielsen & Jonathan Evans. The songsters supported by singing 'He sought me' & 'God of my Praise'