Sub-Organist | Godalming Minster

Cofeguildford; Godalming; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 5,000; Full time

Job summary

Godalming Minster seeks a Sub-Organist to start in September 2026. The role involves accompanying the liturgical services of Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong, working with the Organist & Master of the Choristers to select hymns and repertoire, and directing the Minster Choir.

This is a self-employed contract for services. Additional opportunities include playing for weddings and funerals across all four Minster churches, with fees currently £150 per service.

Responsibilities

• Accompany the liturgical services of Choral Eucharist (Sunday morning – 8.15am rehearsal for a 9am service) and Choral Evensong (monthly; 4th Sunday, with 3.45pm rehearsal for a 5pm service in winter / 5.15pm rehearsal for a 6.30pm service in summer).
• Work with the Organist & Master of the Choristers to select hymns and choral repertoire and direct the Minster Choir.
• Cover weekend services at other Minster churches and occasional civic services as required.
• Audition opportunities to play for weddings and funerals across all four Minster churches for an additional fee (£150 per service).
• Interviews will be offered to suitable candidates; safeguarding of children, young people and adults is integral to church life.

Job description

Godalming Minster is seeking to appoint a Sub-Organist to start in September 2026.

The Sub-Organist’s duties primarily involve accompanying the traditional, liturgical services of Choral Eucharist (every Sunday morning – 8.15am rehearsal for a 9am service) and Choral Evensong (currently once a month on the fourth Sunday of the month – 3.45pm rehearsal for a 5pm service during the winter months; 5.15pm rehearsal for a 6.30pm service during the summer months). These services take place at the largest of the Minster churches, Ss Peter & Paul’s, on the fine, three-manual, William Hill organ working alongside the Organist & Master of the Choristers, who selects hymns and choral repertoire, and directs the Minster Choir. The service pattern includes major festivals throughout the year (which are held in the evenings when these fall on weekdays) as well as occasional civic services, special services, and occasional services at one of the other Minster churches. The Minster Choir from time to time covers weekend services at Cathedrals (recently Chichester, Winchester and Guildford) as well as by invitation at other churches in the area.

Remuneration is £4,000 per annum (paid monthly in arrears upon receipt of invoice) under a contract for services on a self-employed basis. There are also regular opportunities to play for weddings and funerals across all four Minster churches for an additional fee (currently £150 per service).

Interviews will be offered to suitable candidates as they apply.

Ensuring that children and young people as well as adults are kept safe whilst in our care is an integral part of our church life.