Holy SONG!
A musical opportunity for Canadian churches to fund-raise,
and to support the work of the Summer Institute of Church Music

Sing your favourites.
Hear the unexpected and often humorous history of singing in church.
Help your congregation grow in its musical life… and raise funds for its ministries.

In 1975, quoting John Milton’s On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity, SICM founder, the late Dr. Stanley Llewellen Osborne, entitled his commentary on the hymns of the 1971 Red Hymn Book of the Anglican and United Churches of Canada If Such Holy Song. In tribute to Doctor Osborne, and in light-hearted celebration of the central music of our Faith, SICM’s current Director has developed Holy SONG! which is now being presented by churches and congregations across the country.

Proceeds (after expenses) from presentations of Holy SONG! support the ministries of hosting churches, and by the donation of a portion of the flat fee (see below), the work of the Summer Institute of Church Music’s biennial Osborne Organ Competition. A set donation to SICM is taken care of through the flat fee: the income possibilities for the presenting church are unlimited.

The Holy SONG! presenter’s package carries an $800 fee for congregations within Ontario, or $1000 for engagements outside of Ontario, and includes the development of a program specific to the hosting presenter, the performance itself, 100 colour posters, and guidelines and support for making the event a musical, community and financial success. 

A prominent church musician and acclaimed artist and advocate of the organ, for twelve years Christopher Dawes served first as organist and later as Director of Music to Toronto’s St. James’ Cathedral. He has performed across Canada and abroad, and continues to make music with Toronto’s finest choirs, and on the world’s great organs. Currently a freelance performer, writer and consultant based at the Church of St. George the Martyr in downtown Toronto, he works principally with the Music and Drama faculties of the University of Toronto. He has directed the Organ Concerts and Academy at Stratford Summer Music since its inception in 2001, and assumed the Directorship of the Summer Institute of Church Music in its 36th Session in 2005. Chris’ humorous manner and creative approach to things familiar and new flow easily across a wide range of musical genres, and have made him a favourite of audiences, students, choristers, congregations and colleagues across the musical world.

To present Holy SONG! in your church or community, contact the Summer Institute of Church Music (416) 356-3138, sicm@orgalt.com to find a date, obtain the presenter’s package, and mobilize your volunteers to get started. It is an inexpensive and simple program to mount, but it reaches into the very heart and soul of many church communities - music. If your congregation loves music and would like to raise funds through a fun community event, you should look into it, support SICM’s valuable work in Canada, and perhaps put a new song in your church’s journey.

Download Holy SONG! Poster, Version 1, or Version 2 - take your pick!