2 Mar

2024

Sarum Vespers at Princeton University

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The grandiose “chapel” of Princeton University was the setting for the Vespers.

Friday was a very special evening at the Princeton University Chapel: First Vespers of St. Chad of Mercia, bishop, according to the use of the Church of Salisbury (the “Sarum Use”). The Use of Sarum was the main form of the Roman liturgy in Pre-Reformation England. It was celebrated now and then by Catholics as late as the 19th century, but was regrettably entirely superseded by the “Tridentine” liturgy. Perhaps that was because the Use of Sarum obviously makes considerable demands upon a church’s staff resources and available time….. First Vespers refers to the fact that St. Chad (whose feast is on the following day, March 2) was commemorated. 1)

Music and ceremonial were of outstanding quality. A congregation of around 1,000 was in attendance. The demeanor of all was reverent. An introduction preceding the Vespers and the informative program emphasized the spiritual nature of what was happening. In no way was this liturgy presented as a secular concert.

I must admire the creativity (in an appropriate sense) of the organizers. If the basic elements of ritual and music were supplied by authentic texts of the period, features of other traditions were freely drawn upon to complete the liturgy. So, German and English organ music of the 20th Century preceded and followed Vespers. A Byzantine icon was displayed. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament ( a ritual not a part of the Use of Sarum) concluded the evening. It was a rare instance of how the various strands of Tradition can mutually complement each other without falling into arbitrary eclecticism.

Achieving all this was a truly a remarkable effort. 2) It illustrates that if such an effort is made, while preserving the spiritual basis of art, music and ceremonial, people will come. We were proud that the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny could be counted as one of the sponsors.

(Above) Gabriel Crouch, Director of Choral Activities at Princeton University, directed the music and gave a brief introduction before the beginning of Vespers. He spoke of his great joy at performing this music in the spritual, liturgical setting for which it was composed,
(Above) The entry procession. The verger, Mr. Joseph Brown, the celebrant and one of the “Rulers of the Choir” are from Ordinariate parishes.
(Above) The “Rulers of the Choir,” cantors holding the staves that are the symbols of their authority
(Above) The music was outstanding. Particularly memorable for me were the Magnificat of Robert White (c.1538 – 1574) and the Litany of the Saints based on Sarum chant, composed in 1555 by Thomas Talllis (1505-1585).
(Above) The Use of Sarum requires a considerable number of clergy and ministers.
(Above) Images were displayed during the Vespers. They were painted (or “written”) in styles derived from both the Eastern Tradition and that of 13th century England. Two (St Chad and the Crucifixion (above, right)) were painted especially for this liturgy.
(Above and below) Apparelled albs!
The images wre incensed in the course of the vespers – compare the similiar practice in the Eastern liturgies. In the Sarum use all side altars are incesnsed.
(Above and below) Incensing the side Altar, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in this (originally Presbyterian) chapel. It seems there is a real revival of the traditional faith at Princeton.
(Above) Procession before Benediction. Vespers concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament – a ritual that had not yet developed by the eve of the Reformation, when the Sarum Use last prevailed. But, like the display of icons from the Eastern tradition, this was included to demonstrate the connection of the Use of Sarum to the “living Church.” Benediction was accompanied by music used in the cathedral of Salisbury. (from the Program)
  1. March 1 itself is the feast of St. David. An old English weather rhyme commemorates the saints of first three days of March:  First comes David, then comes Chad, Then comes Winnol, roaring like mad.
  2. More information can be found at Catholic Sacred Music Project.
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