Gymanfa Ganu at the Welsh Church

The Welsh Church invited Rushan Hewawasam to conduct its Gymanfa Ganu on Sunday 24 August.

The Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes officiated as well as managing the streamed service complete with displaying all the words of the hymns on the two screens. His witty graphics enhanced the proceedings.

The service commenced with the congregation singing the Australian National Anthem and concluded with the Welsh National Anthem.

Conductor Rushan gave an introduction to each of the ten congregational hymns, at times, directing that some verses were to be sung by the ladies and others by the gentlemen. The hymns were Calon Lân, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, I Hear thy Welcome Voice, The Lord’s My Shepherd, Trust and Obey, Be Thou My Vision, What a Friend we Have in Jesus, How Great Thou Art and Cwm Rhondda.

Rushan also conducted members of the Victoria Welsh Choir in four choral items – Yr Darlun (The Picture), Bendigedig (Benedictus), Anfonaf Angel, Rachie plus a farewell chant at the end of the service with Sunset Poem.

Many thanks to our accompanist Mary O’Driscoll and choristers who came down from our Ballarat and Bendigo chapters. Church organist Wendy Couch accompanied all the congregational hymns.