In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Gloucester and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, St. John’s Episcopal Church is holding a commemorative service on Sunday, June 21, in connection with the reenactment events over the weekend.
The special worship service begins at 10 a.m. It will feature Rite I from the Book of Common Prayer and selections of 18th-century music.
After the colonies separated from British rule in 1776, American Anglicans could no longer use the English Prayer Book, which was for citizens of the British monarchy. This service will include the traditional Elizabethan language of Rite I, which can be traced back to the first American Prayer Book of 1789. Rite I worship experiences are shaped by reverence, tradition and continuity.
The service will feature several pieces of 18th-century music, including “Gloria,” from Missa Brevis in F Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, “Sanctus,” from Missa Brevis in F Major by Mozart, “Agnus Dei,” from Missa Sancti Nicolai by Joseph Haydn, “Gloria” from Missa Brevis St. Joannis de Deo by Haydn and the choral revolutionary anthem “Chester” by William Billings.
Attendees are welcome to wear 18th-century attire and gather for refreshments after the service.
St. John’s Gloucester is located at 48 Middle St., Gloucester. Parking is located at 33 Washington St., Gloucester. For more information, visit: https://www.stjohnsgloucester.org/