Many churches were originally built to hold congregations counted in the hundreds. Regrettably, modern life and times have changed dramatically since those days, with congregations now numbered in scores, sometimes less, most buildings seriously under utilised and vastly over endowed for their purpose today.

There are occasions, though, when we can be hugely grateful for the original hubris that furnished space on the scale of St. Johns. Such an event occurred last Thursday when Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, at the invitation of Rev. Nanette Head Lewis, gave their second concert of 2008 in support of the church. The only spare room to be seen was in the balcony area, all lower floor space being taken by a truly, capacity audience.

So then; a gratifying and inspirational experience for the choir and its musical team to be so appreciated, an opportunity for all performers to impress, and much needed funds gathered for the work of the church. We suggest, though, that there was much more than the norm to this particularly special occasion. It was a wonderful night, and this brilliant concert was a deeply satisfying participative encounter for audience and choir alike.

There was the joyful melding and bonding of spirits through music, there was inspiration for the soul, and there was significant drawing from the well of inculcated Welsh cultural memory. A heady brew to be sure, and equally as intoxicating for some as a fine mature Penderyn!

Nanette Lewis Head (retiring now from her duties in St. Johns) hinted at the possibility of this for the audience when she introduced the choir. The choir appreciate Nanette and presented her with a parting retirement gift to her acute surprise and pleasure. She will be much missed.

With such a receptive audience, the choir could be no less than majestic and provided the proof (if such were needed) to support Nanette's original eulogy. Nothing would be achieved, though, without good accompaniment support, so a thank you here to Jenny Griffiths.

All local choirs are now inserting items in their concerts to be performed in Albert Hall 2009. P&DMVC, no exception, gave fine renditions of 'Deep Harmony, O Gymru', and the rollicking 'Song of the Jolly Roger'. All went down an absolute treat.

P&DMVC's soloists, too, were inspired by the event, with Owen Jones in magnificent form with 'Go Down Moses', Henry Johnston back to fine form with Handel's 'Where e're you Walk', and Sam Thomas also in top form with 'If I ruled the World' from Pickwick. Such a pleasure, too, to see Joan Lewis back to her time honoured solo place. She performed a beautifully controlled, but very intense 'God make me Kind' and later combined with Allyson Griffiths (flute) with 'People need the Lord'; Allyson's quiet accompaniment lending a fine pathos to this item.

Despite being aware that the choir's three final items would complete the concert, the audience appeared to be transfixed at the conclusion of the tumultuous, powerful African Prayer. So reluctant were they to believe that it really was the end, Mrs. Christine Lloyd (conductor) was moved to offer an encore as an inducement!

The listeners were very loud and very long in their appreciation. For some it was a first experience of the art of Welsh choral performance and it was patently obvious that it had made a very deep impression. They were entitled to be impressed, for this was a wonderful and memorable night

As is the case in St. Johns (and all other places the choir visits), committee ladies intend that no chorister should go home unless four inches are added to waistbands through the provision of refreshments. A heartfelt thank you was delivered by chairman Frank Harries to all ladies and helpers.

A.S.