Holy Father, Cheer Our Way

This is the second piece from 'Three Meditations' published by J B Cramer & Co in 1967. It is based on Sir John Stainer's hymn tune 'Vesper'.

Guy Henry Eldridge, Mus. B (1904-1976) studied at the Royal College of Music, and in 1953 became organist at the Anglican church of St. Michael and All Angels, Chester Square, Belgravia in London.

He composed a few anthems that are still in print and was Conductor of the Hollington Choral and Orchestral Society.

I am grateful to Vanessa Thompson, who is a subscriber to the CBCH, for providing me some background information on her maternal grandfather.

Eldridge was born in Sussex and eventually made his way to London. He studied at the Royal College of Music and became a professor of music at the Guildhall and the London School of Music.

Vanessa said that her grandfather was “a rather darling man, kind and gentle”. He was very much a loving husband, father and grandfather. Eldridge was also much loved for his work at St Michael’s Church and other places.

The organ at St Michael’s was, according to the NPOR, built in 1900 by Robert Hope-Jones as a 4m&p instrument. It was rebuilt by Willis in 1923 and by J W Walker in 1948. By this time, it had grown to 66 ss.

This instrument was replaced by a new 2m&p Walker organ in 1994.

The attached photo, supplied by Vanessa Thompson, is of Guy Eldridge at the St Michael’s organ.

More Eldridge coming.

Agnus Dei has twice recorded (Salisbury & Hereford) Eldridge’s Fanfare for St Michael & All Angels - https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/8175 and https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/8174.