Music at St Molua’s

The Choir

Throughout its history, music and singing has played an important role in the life of St Molua’s. In the early days we were fortunate in securing the services of Brian Hunter as our first Organist. The choir presented a service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Christmas 1960, a tradition which has continued ever since. Brian left St Molua’s in 1969 to be succeeded in turn by Victor McKirgan, Jim Drennan and Robert Thompson. Brian Hunter returned to St Molua’s in February 2014 before retiring in January 2018 when he was succeeded, in September that year, by Audrey Gillian.

As a teenager Audrey joined the choir in her home church, Cregagh Presbyterian. There, organist James Woods encouraged her to use her piano playing skills to play organ and she deputised during his holiday periods. Having completed her musical studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, Audrey studied organ with Garry Rodway in Fisherwick Presbyterian and Dr Desmond Hunter on the Mulholland Organ in the Ulster Hall.

Early in her career she sang with the Balligan Consort and was the organ scholar in St Andrews Balligan. Audrey has a lifetime of experience in church music both as a singer and accompanist and has a vast knowledge and love of sacred choral music. She is passionate about using her musical gifts to lead worship.

St Molua’s is currently also home to the Stormont Community Choir founded in 2022 by Audrey Gillian. While the choir’s repertoire is largely secular, members have taken part in special services, including the annual Christmas service of Nine Lessons and Carols, at St Molua’s.

The acoustic properties of the church building are magnificent for both choral and organ works and have been much in demand by other choirs such as the Priory Singers, Melisma and the Ulster Consort who have used the building for rehearsals and recitals.

A selection of recordings of hymns, chants and anthems which St Molua’s Choir has sung in the past are available to listen to, or download, on the Choir Playlist page.

The Organ

The organ was built by Charles A. Smethurst of Manchester, England for St Molua’s in 1962. It includes part of the organ from St Matthias’ church, Dublin. This was one of the first of many Smethurst organs in the Belfast area. The action is electro-magnetic, the detached draw-stop console situated behind the south side of the quire, and the organ itself located on a platform above the north quire.

The acoustics of the church are admirably suited to organ and choir alike, and the modest-sized instrument sounds impressive throughout the building. The inaugural recital was given by Noel Rawsthorne, organist of Liverpool Cathedral, on Wednesday 7th November 1962.

Organ Specification

Two manuals, CC to A, 58 notes

Pedal, CCC to F, 30 notes.