Weekly eNews Stories for 24.09.2026

Local Rev wins first prize in hymn-writing competition

Rev. Jonathan Widdess, Priest in Charge of the West Hereford Team Ministry, has won first prize in the Existing Tune, New Words category of the Sing Aloud! Hymn Writing Competition, run by All Saints Wellington.

His hymn, Crownèd Now With Stars, is set to the tune Terra Beata, known as the setting for This is My Father’s World. It follows the story of Christ through five verses: wrapped in light at his birth in eternity, in flesh at his birth on earth, in a robe at his trial, in a shroud at his burial, and in glory at his reigning. Jonathan wrote it last Advent, drawing on an image from the worship song How Great is Our God and the custom of wrapping presents at Christmas.

Jonathan writes hymns for his own devotional life, and for the choir and congregation at Holy Trinity to sing.

The winning entries were performed this week at All Saints Wellington by the New College Chorale and soloist Christina Dawson, judged by a panel with entries from across the UK.

Crownèd Now With Stars will be sung for the first time at Holy Trinity this Advent.