The year 2024 is the 350th anniversary of the birth of Isaac Watts, known worldwide as the
"father of English hymnody". To mark his connections to this region, the East Midlands Synod is
holding A Celebration of Isaac Watts, on Saturday 21 September from 2.30-4.00pm, with
gathering praise from 2.00pm.
Melton Mowbray URC will host the event, commemorating his links with the Melton district. From 1696-99, Watts was in the service of the Hartopp family of Stoke Newington and Freeby.
Alongside tutoring Mistress Mary Hartopp, his duties included preaching: he gave his first sermon on 17 July 1698, his 24th birthday. When accompanying the Hartopps to their Leicestershire seat, he led worship in Freeby’s Congregational Chapel and two stained glass windows were later installed there to mark the connection. The chapel became a United Reformed Church in the 1970s and its congregation ultimately merged with that of Melton Mowbray.
Keynote speaker the Revd Dr Robert Pope of Westminster College will give short talks on the
God of Isaac Watts and the continuing legacy of his hymns. The event will also include an Act of Thanksgiving for his enduring gift to Christian life and of course, the opportunity to hear and sing several of Watts’ best-known hymns. After singing lustily, attenders will be able to recharge with free refreshments including Melton Mowbray pork pies.
The event is free of charge but capacity is limited, so you are advised to book early by visiting
www.bit.ly/isaacwattscelebrati... (alternatively, call the Synod Office: 0115 960 9241).
Attached to this email is a copy of the poster for this event, which we hope you will share with your churches and networks