Auckland Festival of Song 2023

Charles Wesley’s 7,000 hymns shaped early Methodism. Although the repertoire of his hymns has been whittled down over time, his gift of teaching theology via hymns runs deep in our bones. “Methodism was born in song” states the preface to the 1933 Methodist Hymnbook, the hymnbook many of our older English language members used in their youth. We are a singing people and that has touched Methodists of all ethnicities in this country.

Inspired by these things, we in the Auckland/Manukau region launched a Festival of Song. We had no idea how this would turn out but in faith we booked the Pitt Street Church as a venue and sent out invitations to all the Methodist groups in the region.

What happened? On that first night in 2013 we had a talented Korean choir, a North Harbour choir, a Tongan Youth choir from Ellerslie, a group of Wesley College singers, a choir from Mt Eden, and Samoan singers. President Rex Nathan gave a reflection based on, “Singing the Lord’s Song in a strange land” and the large congregation enjoyed singing some of the great hymns of our Christian faith. The Festival of Song was born.

Since then, we have held the festival annually apart from a break caused by the Covid pandemic. This year our Festival of Song was held on Sunday 5 November and once again we were blessed with a range of participants: Samoan, Tongan, Fijian choirs, along with the Pitt St choir, two singing groups from Mahurangi, a multicultural choir from Papatoetoe, a folk group from Birkenhead, and a duet from a Pitt Street couple.

There was some brilliant singing, and enthusiastic applause followed every musical performance. It was a time of inspiration and encouragement for all who took part. During the festival we honoured the late Professor Colin Gibson, singing two of his hymns, and we honoured the late Rev Dr Jim Stuart with two readings from his book, The John Wesley Code. Rev Dr Terry Wall gave a fine reflection reminding us that we are all worth everything in the eyes of God.

The Pitt Street presbyters and congregation have been great hosts for the past 10 years. Each festival has included a time for fellowship over tea, coffee and snacks in the church hall. We celebrate this coming together as a Methodist family and give thanks to God for the ties that bind us together.