Founded in 1906, the Society affirms the importance of music in worship and of the effective use of music appropriate to its proper liturgical use and thus strives always to sustain the Church’s wonderful musical heritage. It also recognises and seeks to meet the constant demand for fine congregational music in a modern idiom, by encouraging those of today’s composers whose works evince the timeless qualities of refinement and style. In only the second year of its foundation the Society published Bach’s now universally loved (and used) interluded chorale known the world over as Jesu, Joy of man’s desiring – just one of many pieces published by the Society that have proved an inspiration to generations.

Recent issues range from modern editions of well-known (but sometimes neglected) items to music by living composers designed specifically for small congregations to sing and value. The Society works closely with the Music Department of Oxford University Press, through whom all new works are published.

CMS milestones have been marked by notable commissioned works – Herbert Howells’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B minor for the Golden Jubilee in 1956 and Jonathan Harvey’s The Tree for the 75th Anniversary in 1981. Judith Bingham has composed an anthem – Touch’d by heavenly fire – to words by Robert Bridges and this will be first sung at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday 27th May 2006 at a special Evensong in celebration of the Centenary of the Church Music Society.

The Society stimulates debate, acts as a forum for a wide diversity of opinion and scholarship, and – particularly importantly – publishes music for which a particular need is perceived.

Besides the musical publications, there are regular lectures and other printed papers too, some of which are available on this Website. A Newsletter keeps members in touch, furthers the debate and publishes items of interest by experts in their field.

The Society is, first and foremost, its membership: this includes distinguished practitioners of the art, clergy, musicians, music-lovers, scholars, committed worshippers and well-wishers. Each member sustains an abiding love of church music and a desire that it should be of the highest standard.

Anyone – everyone! – from all walks of life (and from every Christian denomination, or from none) is welcome. Members enjoy a substantial discount on all purchases of music published by the Society and receive one copy of every issue free of charge.

Why not join us?

Details of Membership are available from the Honorary Treasurer
Andrew Earis – to get in touch with Andrew, please go to the Contact Us icon