SARASOTA, Fla. — Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Fla., is marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in several ways.
On Sept. 8, the day of her death, a bell in the Redeemer bell tower tolled 70 times, giving thanks for her 70-year reign.
Redeemer will hold a requiem for Elizabeth II next Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. The service will include a brass quartet, timpani, and choir. Several songs of special significance to The Queen will be offered throughout the service, including the hymn “Jerusalem” and “All People That on Earth Do Dwell,” arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The public is invited to attend the service at Redeemer, and the service will also be livestreamed on RedeemerSarasota.org, Redeemer’s Facebook page, and Redeemer’s YouTube channel.
Soon after the news of her death was announced, Redeemer Organist-Choirmaster Sam Nelson played “God Save The Queen” on the Redeemer organ.
Staff members held an impromptu gathering in the church the afternoon of Sept. 8 to sing two of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite pieces: “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven” and “I Vow to Thee My Country.”
This Sunday, Sept. 11, parishioners will sing “God Save the Queen” during the 9 and 11 a.m. masses at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer Rector Father Charleston Wilson offered this prayer for The Queen, which was shared on Redeemer’s social media accounts: “Almighty and Everliving God, before whom all rulers of the earth shall bow, hear our prayers for thy servant Elizabeth. Surround her with thy presence and grant her such peace as passeth all understanding now that she is summoned unto thine heavenly banquet where all thy saints feast now and evermore through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Redeemer is an Episcopal church and a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with special ties to the Church of England.
“Since we are in full communion with the Church of England, it is only fitting that we pray for the Supreme Governor of the Church of England,” Wilson said. “We join with millions of Christians around the globe in mourning her loss, and in particular, with our Anglican brothers and sisters. At the end of the day, however, this is another chance to celebrate our Lord’s victory over death and remember that she has traded in her earthly crown for a heavenly one.”
Church of the Redeemer is a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Redeemer is a growing parish in downtown Sarasota with more than 2,600 members. It is known for its focus on worship, preaching, music, faith formation, community outreach, youth, and families.