Bursaries at Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge
Chris Wright completed a mission visit to Africa, over 6 weeks through September 2011. Click to view his report. An organ scholar has been appointed for 2011/12.
Emmanuel may offer from time to time three Bursaries, a Mission Bursary, an Organ Scholarship and a Music Scholarship.
The Awards are administered by the John Hall Fund Committee at Emmanuel. John Hall was a well liked and respected member of Emmanuel. He left money to Emmanuel in his will and fund raising efforts by church members added to the sum. The total sum has been invested and the interest is used to fund all three bursaries. All were developed and chosen by Emmanuel members to reflect John’s interests and Emmanuel’s mission.
The Mission Bursary is is to enable an individual to experience and reflect on Christian Mission in a contemporary context and covers travel costs, board and lodging and pocket money during the appointment, which lasts for maximum of three months. Provision can be made for an individual to travel to Cambridge, or to travel elsewhere to take up the award. There have been five appointments since 1995. Those who have benefitted have come from Madagascar, from Germany, from South Africa and from Zimbabwe to Emmanuel URC, and most recently from Emmanuel URC to Africa.
The Organ Scholarship is offered to organists who wish to improve their skills, or to pianists who wish to learn to play the organ. Emmanuel has a fine Willis organ, restored in 1992 with a mechanical action. The Fund pays for lessons with a Cambridge based teacher. The organ scholar plays in services during term time at the discretion of the organist and is encouraged to play a recital each term. There have been three Organ Scholars so far, two of whom were pianists interested in playing the organ.
The Music Scholarship is a recent addition to the scheme and is designed to make the benefits of the organ scholarship available to musicians such as singers, instrumentalists or composers. The details of each scholarship will depend on the specialty of the scholar. The fund will pay for lessons, for music or an approved course of study in relation to church music as appropriate. As with the Organ Scholarship, Music Scholars will be encouraged to play for services and to give a short recital each term. There has been one Music Scholar.
If you are interested in any of the bursaries you are welcome contact the Minister, the Organist or the John Hall Fund Committee for further discussions. The Church Office, emmanuelurc@btinternet.com or 01223 351174, has details and can supply application forms.
written July 2010; updated February 2012