IF you were raised on hymns included in Hymns Ancient and Modern, you now have 847 to choose from in the latest edition – and whatever your choice, you can go and hear it played live on the organ of St Gregory’s Church in Marnhull over the weekend of 19th to 21st June.

The Great Hymnathon Challenge is organised by Gordon Amery, who promises 34 hours of music and a chance listen, be inspired or even join in and sing. You can visit for any length of time, from five minutes to five hours … or longer. You can vote for your favourite and hear it played in full in the Top Five section at the 10am Sunday service.

Gordon thinks this is the first time that such a challenge has been mounted, and he’s keen that as many people as possible come to watch and listen.

The marathon begins at 9pm on Friday 19th, when organist Phil embarks on his opening session. At midnight his place will be taken by Louise, who plays for five hours, followed by Gordon for the next four hour stint. David and Olivia will join the rota during the Saturday, with some guest musicians also taking part.

Two minutes from each hymn will be played during the 34 hours and the event will end on Sunday at 11am.

The first edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern was published in 1861, and it has been revised several times since then. The newest version, Ancient & Modern – Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship – was published in 2013, and is described as “offering the broadest ever range of traditional hymns, with the best from today’s composers and hymn/song writers.”

So if your choice is anything from O Lord and Father of Mankind and For Those in Peril on the Sea, through the Christmas carols to One More Step Along the World I Go, from 1971 or Morning has Broken, Marnhull’s Hymnathon will have it there for you.