Matins

Every First Sunday at for 45 mins
St Elwyn's
St. Elwyn's Rise Hayle, TR27 4JT, United Kingdom

At St Elwyn’s, a Sunday morning Choral Matins at 9:30 am adapts the traditional early-morning monastic office into a welcoming, music-filled morning service. Because St Elwyn’s has rich acoustics and a strong choral tradition within the Godrevy Benefice, it offers a warm, reflective start to the day.

What to Expect at St Elwyn's
If you are used to a full Sunday Eucharist or a traditional sermon-heavy service, Matins has a distinct, relaxed flow focused on music, scripture, and shared prayer.

Music and Chanting at the Core: The service relies heavily on the choir and organ. Instead of speaking all the prayers, key sections like the Venite (Psalm 95), the Te Deum, or the Benedictus are chanted or sung dynamically.

No Communion: Unlike the standard 9:30 am Sunday Eucharist, Matins does not include the preparation of bread and wine.

Scripture & Canticles: The service cycles through two main Bible readings (one Old Testament, one New Testament), each followed by a sung canticle (an ancient hymn set to music).

Length and Pace: It typically runs for around 45 minutes, offering a peaceful, contemplative pace that gives space to appreciate the church's acoustics and setting.

St Elwyn's

St Elwyn’s is one of Hayle’s most recognisable landmarks, known for its striking architecture and its long tradition of welcoming people from every walk of life. Built in 1888 and often called the “Cathedral of Hayle,” the church is shaped by the Anglo‑Catholic style of worship, which places a strong emphasis on beauty, music, and meaningful ritual.

Inside, visitors find colourful stained glass, peaceful chapels, and a sense of stillness that many people value whether or not they consider themselves religious. The church’s services use rich symbolism, candles, and music to create an atmosphere that feels reflective and grounded.

At its heart, St Elwyn’s is a place that values community, hospitality, and the idea that sacred spaces can help people pause, breathe, and reconnect with what matters. Whether someone comes to explore the building, attend an event, light a candle, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet, St Elwyn’s continues to be a gentle and steady presence in the life of Hayle.

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Get in touch

Sarah Rees

63 Madison Close, Hayle

TR27 4BZ
Church Warden
07796172914

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Matins

Every First Sunday at for 45 mins
St Elwyn's
St. Elwyn's Rise Hayle, TR27 4JT, United Kingdom

At St Elwyn’s, a Sunday morning Choral Matins at 9:30 am adapts the traditional early-morning monastic office into a welcoming, music-filled morning service. Because St Elwyn’s has rich acoustics and a strong choral tradition within the Godrevy Benefice, it offers a warm, reflective start to the day.

What to Expect at St Elwyn's
If you are used to a full Sunday Eucharist or a traditional sermon-heavy service, Matins has a distinct, relaxed flow focused on music, scripture, and shared prayer.

Music and Chanting at the Core: The service relies heavily on the choir and organ. Instead of speaking all the prayers, key sections like the Venite (Psalm 95), the Te Deum, or the Benedictus are chanted or sung dynamically.

No Communion: Unlike the standard 9:30 am Sunday Eucharist, Matins does not include the preparation of bread and wine.

Scripture & Canticles: The service cycles through two main Bible readings (one Old Testament, one New Testament), each followed by a sung canticle (an ancient hymn set to music).

Length and Pace: It typically runs for around 45 minutes, offering a peaceful, contemplative pace that gives space to appreciate the church's acoustics and setting.

Our Benefice

Safeguarding

Our parish of Hayle St Elwyn is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO).

Our Diocese of Truro’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO Rev Michelle Porter-Babbage is the Parish Safeguarding Officer, reachable at 07387 912920. or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor https://trurodiocese.org.uk/resources/safeguarding/ If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services

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