Choir

The History of The Choir

The reforms in worship in the Church of Scotland were begun in Old Greyfriars by  Dr Robert Lee, its Minister when the church was reopened in 1857 after the fire which destroyed it in 1845. It was imperative that a choir should be formed to lead the congregation in hymns which had been introduced into worship for the first time and to sing anthems and prose psalms. This group seems to have been quite a large body singing choral works outside worship and we have in the library volumes of both large choral works and anthems engraved with the title “Greyfriars Choral Society”.   With the introduction of a harmonium in 1860 and the organ in 1865 the post of organist was separate from that of choirmaster (described as “Precentor”) and this division persisted until the union of Old and New Greyfriars in 1929.  Throughout these hundred and sixty years the choir has maintained a good standard leading the important musical part in worship.

What about the choir today?

It is smaller than in past years – as choirs are in most churches which still have them – and at full strength is about the 20 mark.  For the past few years we have had choral scholarships for full time students and at any one time can have up to four.  Any interested students should contact The Kirk Office.  We do, however, need more volunteers into the choir, especially when the students are away at holiday time as it only needs one or two members to be down with illness and we struggle to maintain the musical part of the service.  The commitment to the choirs is the 11.00 Sunday morning service preceded by a practice at 10.00.  In addition there is a Thursday evening practice once a month from September to June.  A congregation of the Greyfriars tradition needs a choir and we must see that it continues to flourish.  If you can help us by joining, or can persuade some of your friends to join us,  we will be grateful and you will be assured of a very warm welcome in a group of very friendly folk.

What is our role in the service?

We sing introits, anthems and communion motets, as well as leading the congregation in the hymn singing.

How often do we practise?

The choir rehearses every Sunday at 10.00 and has a practice on a Thursday at 19.30 approximately once a month.

What choral awards are available?

Choral awards are available each term, nominally one for each of the four voice parts, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass, for those who will commit to regularly attending the choir. This remuneration will be paid at the end of each term. Awards are open to all university students and also people of any age who are currently studying singing or a musical instrument.

Are you studying the organ and keen to get some experience of playing, accompanying the choir, or conducting? You too will be considered for an award if you are interested in becoming a member of the choir.

Choral awards will be available on a termly basis, nominally held for an academic year. An informal audition will be part of the selection process. Some singing experience and sight-reading ability will be required.

if you are interested in the choral awards come along to Greyfriars at the 11am Sunday service and meet members of the choir after the service. Talk to our Organist and Choirmaster, Henry Wallace, who will be able to give you further information, alternatively, please leave your name and contact details (phone number or E-mail address) at the church office.

Our organists

Our Organist and Choirmaster is Henry Wallace and our Assistant Organist and Choirmaster is John Young.

What should I do if I am interested in joining the choir?

If you are interested in joining the choir please contact the Kirk office on

Telephone: 0131 225 1900  or email: administrator@greyfriarskirk.com and your details will be passed on to the Choir Masters