This year’s Advent and carol services at Croydon Minster have all been reflected in a bright and shiny new plaque, dedicated to the life and service of Martin How, the church’s former organist emeritus who died, aged 91, in 2022.
Shining example: the Minster plaque dedicated to Martin How’s life and work
The plaque is on the south side of the church. It “remains a shining tribute to a life well-lived”, the Minster said on social media after it was unveiled at the start of this month.
The plaque also symbolises the high standards of church music which continue at the Minster to this day, especially during the Christmas period, where many of the services have been musically led by the sub-organist George Inscoe, who has just been appointed to a similar role at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Inscoe represents the continuing tradition for church music at Croydon Minster, where Martin How was such a long-standing and long-lasting influence.
How was awarded the MBE in 1993, after spending many years as choirmaster at the Royal School of Church Music when it was based at Addington Palace.
The plaque in his honour was created by Ben Ryan at Ursae, and has motifs featured in each corner which are based on the Croydon Minster logo. The border edges of the plaque represent the black and white keys on a church organ. The verse is from the hymn Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending, which was one of How’s favourites.
Rising star: George Inscoe, off to St Paul’s
For his successor, Inscoe, this is his last Christmas at Croydon Minster, as he takes up the role of sub-organist at St Paul’s on March 1.
Inscoe “will join the eminent cohort of organists who enrich daily services, special services and events at the cathedral”, a spokesperson for St Paul’s said in announcing the appointment, which follows recent recitals played at the cathedral and Westminster Abbey, as well as St Thomas’ Church Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Inscoe has been organist at Croydon Minster since 2022.
“We heartily congratulate George on his appointment at St Paul’s,” the Minster posted on social media.
“This is a prestigious appointment and a great sign that the Minster was able to attract someone of George’s talent and see him go to this next step. We will, of course, be sad to lose him, but thankful for all he has brought to the Minster’s long-standing and enduring musical tradition.”
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