ENFORD MEDITATIONS: Living, Dying and the English Country Church

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Thank you!

[@ChrisN1344]

Ben, my friend, I hope you know what a comfort and inspiration your videos truly are. I'm an American residing in the southeast U.S., while my wife is Canadian and a Cambridge graduate. She is currently facing a medical crisis and it is a time of fear and anxiety for us. We visited France several years ago together, but we, as lovers of history and churches, resolved to cross the pond once again and visit these wonderful English countrysides together. As an artist myself, I share many of your sensibilities. During this frightening time for us, your videos, literary reflections, and music are a warm light in a fog of sorrow. Keep it up and God bless.

[@debbiebooth7899]

Prayers for your wife from another Canuck

[@pixmahler5859]

May God give you both strength and hope as you walk this journey together.

[@MagicaLucem]

@chrisN1344 Comfort and peace to you and your family from a Hertfordshire subscriber.

[@divadaedalus]

Comfort and healing for your wife as she faces a crisis and for you both as you navigate it together.

[@MrMonet111]

Praying 🙏

[@marthawatson4162]

"I know that my Redeemer Liveth" Amen!

[@ernestoross]

Praise God, our Redeemer liveth!

[@judisutherland6750]

This is a better documentary than many on terrestrial TV. The organ music is surrounded by history and geography. I loved the dramatic cut from the Marcus Aurelius quotation at the start to the music of the driving sequence. You capture an English countryside in winter so beautifully. Please keep going into the summer. BBC4 needs you.

[@marccheban194]

Dear Ben: You are utterly superb at what you do!

[@PortsladeBySea]

I totally agree. Ben is doing a superb job 🥳🛐🎹🎶👍

[@user-un8gn7zs9k]

31:22 please be inspired by all those of us who are inspired by YOU. Mental health issues, chronic depression and anxiety, all these limitations are lifted and temporarily dispersed by your devotion and commitment leading us, in your own way, out of our world and closer to The Most High: "Brightest and best are the Sons of The Morning ". Thank you

[@gerhardrohne2261]

Ben Maton, we are gratefull for all you know about the places, churches and the music you play. But we have also to be gratefull, that you cant even fathom the great depth , meaning and reassurance you reach...

[@willmears1111]

Another incredible and memorable tour of Wiltshire village churches. As an American child growing up in the Swindon/Marlborough area I have visited many village churches out of love, amazement, history and a deep appreciation as a boat boy and thurifer with my father at one of the only high churches in the area at that time, St. Pauls, Swindon (probably early 1800's) which was demolished (around 1970) to accomodate the Town Centre of Swindon. What a loss. The overwhelming "presence" felt inside these various ancient churches was, and is, overpowering to me, and only matched by the power of your recital, in bringing each church to life. Now in Florida, I would love to be back. Thanks for the memories.

[@johangouws8855]

This organ, despite it small size, has the most beautiful sound. I really enjoy your showcasing of the various organs found in the small country churches. Thank you so much, may God bless you.

[@jamesallison4875]

The pups and I are inside, watching a storm coming in. The wind is beginning to howl but the dogs don’t mind and are sleeping soundly. Your video fits the mood perfectly and your playing is beautiful as always. Thanks

[@poshhawk104]

Meditations is certainly something you provide for us. Thanks so much for giving us yanks the beauty of your beloved England.

[@mafakefoot]

Ben, For the beauty you show with the soul reaching poetry, the music matched to the surroundings, and the love you share, I am Thankful.

[@hannekehooft2046]

Thank you so much Ben, for offering this to us! It’s pure love for life you offer, in the way you approach not only the music, but the litterature, the building, even the weather…! Greetings from Nijmegen, Netherlands.

[@Modeltnick]

This is medicine for my soul! Thank you for all you do!

[@PortsladeBySea]

Even though I am an atheist I love visiting ancient churches and listening to church organ music ❤🎹🎶

[@Modeltnick]

@@PortsladeBySea All created to glorify God. Perhaps God is speaking to your soul through the unspoken language of music.

[@doreen.linder]

Ben this was absolutely stunning! I’m overwhelmed. Handel’s Messiah is the most beautiful piece ever written and I truly love, “I Know that my Reedemer Liveth!” Thank you once again for such a beautiful experience! I was in tears it was so beautiful. Death is merely a blip when one knows that their Redeemer liveth!

[@DeannaClark-oo9ut]

I get a feeling of joy in the graveyards of those pastors and Christian servants of old...I feel they gave their best, most of them, in the calling they lived...those drafty rectories and flower beds and village celebrations. They are friends to all who come to see them, just as they were in their earthly life.

[@tylerashleman]

Christ is Risen! Glorify Him!

[@rnelsontn]

Ben, I truly love your videos - your wonderful historical accounts of church and organ, your videography, and, most certainly, your organ playing. I'm familiar with most of the pieces you play, especially the hymns, having grown up singing them in traditional Methodist churches throughout my 79 years. A dream of mine is to fly to Salisbury and have you provide my wife and me a private tour of some of the local churches and witness first-hand your beautiful artistry on the organs. Thank you for your helping to promote and preserve this wonderful music.

[@micheleshave323]

Hello Ben, I want to tell you just how much I appreciate and enjoy your videos. Your tours of and history of the church are wonderful. The information you give us, your audience, about each organ makes the music more interesting. I so enjoy the music you have selected and watching you play. Your presentation is full of your enthusiasm for all that you present and I sincerely hope you will continue doing these videos. They make me feel happy inside. 🙏🕊🦢😊

[@christinastratton4817]

Such a wonderful series. Thank you and hopefully it will continue for a very long time

[@worthgoldmusic]

Ben, Bravo! As I sit here in Los Angeles on a cool but sunny Tuesday morning I once again sigh in great appreciation for your postings, videography, artistry and calm sensibility. In the rush that is called "modern life" your emphasis on thoughtfulness and the effect of contemplation and spirtiuality presented with your sincerity and smile are like salve on an open wound. As the son of a church organist who never missed a Sunday in sixty-five years and an Architect who designed and built at least fifteen churches in the American Midwest you remind me of my roots and bring back importances that we most certainly share. Thanks for sharing your journey. I look forward to your next video with anticipation. /RayK

[@pamelaroyce5285]

I’m in the Pasadena area. Ditto everything you said except being from the Midwest, etc. Ben really transports us from the mostly unscenic environs of our region to another world.

[@Mikados_Advark12]

@@pamelaroyce5285just come back from Pasadena - beautiful place

[@andrewstrathdee1469]

What a beautiful and contemplative video Ben - one to be treasured. Thank you so much for the way that you display both church and organ. I look forward to your next visit.

[@larryboekeloo5514]

God has given you such a glorious and great gift, Ben! Your ability to share your inspirational music and select the perfect registration brings the music to life. That half hour went by so fast. Thank you for all your hard work and bringing all of us along. You are a treasure!

[@FruitofSilence]

Very grateful for your videos - they are somehow very peaceful, comforting, and consoling, and even hopeful . . . Thank you!

[@DJBoise]

Thank you Ben for the lovely music. I really enjoy your channel. Happy New Year.

[@11sesquialtera]

Again, I am so down into your videos. You mannerisms, you love of thelandscaoe and architecture, and your deep sympathy to music. In this turbulent world, such contemplative peace, interest, and meaning into my little world. I am an organist in a fine country church, with a lovely 9 rank 1895 instrument. I am an arborist,-forester by day! Peace be with you, dear man.

[@laramaui4114]

"Maker and Monarch and Savior of all." Indeed. Thank you for sharing this lovely hymn from your country. Sometimes I hear them at mass. Viva Cristo Rey!❤️🙏🏽 Blessings for following your calling Ben no matter the challenges.

[@davef.2329]

Ben, it is so heartwarming to see a young person with such an interest in local history and its relation to their own heritage, but most of all, one who reveres their faith in our Lord, God. These are beautiful presentations you produce here. Thanks for sharing your many talents with us. Aside, I almost sense that this video was inspired/dedicated to the loss of someone close to you. God bless you and be well.

[@ianbrowne8871]

Very pleased to see the world wide numbers of subscribers growing. With so many of our village churches in danger of being closed or left vacant without clergy, you are filling an important vacuum. There is a place for calm seriousness, all too often avoided in an attempt to fill pews. As you demonstrate the silence and light in these sacred places have a power.

[@ventusborealis2414]

Thank you Ben. I wish I could be listening you as a person in that old and beautiful church. Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮♥️🇬🇧

[@user-id9fv6of6x]

I have now enjoyed numerous selections of your offerings as a subscriber & just wish to make this public observation. Your musical talents are without question, but your ability to convey a "story" with historical impact is impeccable. You are a "master" in tutorial offerings & lessons with regards to your musical passions. I am truly impressed & so very happy to await all your future offerings. Yes, I am no expert & do not pretend to be! Yet, you have validated to me; a somewhat "aged" old man; that we can always learn & enjoy extremely interesting "tutorials" from "TRUE MUSICAL" masters like yourself. Thank you for sharing this & any future offerings! You are an extremely talented artist & person!

[@waynevaughan7159]

Beautiful sound and great presentation, thanks Ben!

[@smmcb647]

So beautiful. In a world of bad news and turmoil your videos are full of hope and comfort. May God bless you.

[@flickermaple]

Ben, I discovered you just before Christmas 2023 when I came down with COVID. Your videos kept me company during my "home alone" holiday. Thank you! I look forward to each new video. Donna

[@Iceland874]

What a wonderful channel and another great video! Thank you!

[@peterfisher2726]

Thank you, Ben, for your sharing the marvelously combined beauty of organ music with churches. Well done.

[@pieterprinsloo7257]

Greetings from a very hot South Africa. A most inspirational video and beautifully done as usual. I look forward to your videos. They are a perfect respite from a lot of nonsensical nonsense found on KZbin.Your playing makes me appreciate organ music even more. Well done and thank you.

[@mikesoule1352]

So sweet that you could play "I know That My Redeemer Liveth" for Julia, the young wife and mother who passed so long ago, probably in childbirth, as so many young women used to. It seems a very fitting tribute to someone none of remember, now. "Brightest and Best" is in my old Presbyterian hymnal, and I'm feeling the urge to go play it on my piano, now. Thank you for showing us another part of England that we'll probably never get to visit!

[@alexandrebidaud2964]

I have, long ago, lived two years in England - in London and in Cambridge - and I keep a deep nostalgy of the english countryside with its deligthful small churches. I am very pleased to have discovered your very deeply inspired videos. Thank you very much ! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 From Lausanne, Switzerland

[@greasersgarage-zt8cs]

Despite the gloomy weather, yet another amazing video, fantastic music and well presented as always, long may they continue, thank you Ben

[@clarencehershberger2058]

Thank you, brother, that was well done! I hope you are very blessed today.

[@davidwilliams8405]

It is glaringly obvious that you are a man who truly loves his work; your knowledge and mastery of your craft is only surpassed by your genuine enthusiasm...which is quite catching, like the flu but in a much nicer way. Well done Ben.

[@tomfilipiak690]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talent, gifts, observations and music.

[@jeremy1350]

Hi Ben. Along with myself, many people are reading Marcus Aurelius lately. Happy New Year. "Memento Mori" Remember you must die. A very Stoic principle. Your gifts make all those resting within and around the church yard glad. In my minds eye, wherever you play, I see them gathered inside the church admiring your playing for them, in the lonely rain. How beautiful.

[@Gil27225]

Thank you Ben from Northern Iowa USA. You inspire us.

[@juliusarnold2844]

Thank you for sharing. Pure beauty, pure joy!

[@markbell9973]

Ben! Mark, here. From a lifelong organist who began formal instruction at age 17.5 as a result of "going away to college" in another (at the time more civilized) state of the USA: ===== This one really got to me. ~An 8' Open Diapason that literally lives, breathes and sings...."still crazy after all these years." * You searched that head of yours for spot-on rep, and then had m'man give the most worthy instantiation of "I know that my Redeemer liveth" since the first one that had come hot off the press (Handel's mind+heart = soul) in Dublin. I believe! (Cue Martin Luther King accent.) """""" Am going to interrupt a much longer train of thought, and return to it in other contexts of your work. There is only so much anyone can take of rhapsodizing alla organista, ya think? Am

[@doerthemanahan9912]

My soul takes in every note and sound. Thank you for every video you produce. Greetings from Michigan.

[@Bard_Land]

Another restful but fascinating video. Robert Cecil, despite his long service and administrative brilliance was not widely mourned in passing, and was often the subject of ridicule in life due to his being a hunchback, so it is nice to think Byrd at least mourned him with such beautiful music.

[@Belaugh]

Thank you for traversing the floods to bring us your wonderful embrace of Epiphany. And what is also my own favourite Epiphany hymn, played on such a charming organ. You reflect the spirit of the age with love and quietness. You are a charm for us all. God bless you and all your travels.

[@mattleach958]

Thank you Sir Ben for another wonderful and inspiring tour.

[@fireflyrobert]

Ben you make your subject come alive. You are an excellent teacher.

[@cmdrbozo]

Thanks for a thoroughly enjoy as lunchtime respite here in a rainy Silver Spring MD 👍

[@connieleach2669]

Thank you for this beautiful pause in my day...

[@bryanoneil7647]

Another beautiful, informative and inspiring episode! Thank you, Ben!

[@gregcrease8066]

Another outstanding video. What noble and sweet tones that organ produces. Thank you for displaying the hymn words. It makes the experience complete to include their beautiful poetry.

[@kimschmidt2779]

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you as your organ playing is straight out of heavenly places!❤

[@cloviarice1593]

Thank you for sharing all these wonderful, beautiful church's and organs. ❤

[@philprice1959]

A tremendous, beautiful video, Ben, thank you so much.

[@T-41]

Thank you for another inspirational program. Thanks for sharing your knowledge , skill, and passion for what you do. Also the scenery and photography are just beautiful.

[@annwilson3838]

My not a musician husband loves your enthusiasm for your passion of beautiful churches and organs, as do I, the somewhat musical wife.

[@brucecornely9239]

Thanks so much for this very moving addition to your videos. All of the pieces are especially appropriate to the Epiphany season and comforting. I especially appreciate "Brightest and Best" and the final tribute of "I know that my Redeemer liveth" was very powerful and at the same time, soothing. As well, your improvisations were lovely, as always. Your abilities at the organ are well matched to those of historian, and provide an incredible result. All of the selected locations are beautiful; Enford is, indeed, very special. Many, many thanks. And, greetings from "sunny Florida USA", although not today, which weather seemed to match that of your video.

[@user-ji9dv3jr1c]

Thank you for another lovely video in a beautiful church. “I know that my redeemer liveth” was especially appreciated.

[@Kimberlaina]

Ben, everything you post is truly a delight. Your compositions are really beautiful. I work as a historical interpreter in the summer and I regularly play a Carl Frei street organ as part of my job. It is a really awesome instrument but it doesn't like the wild temperature changes in Michigan. It was really fascinating to see a mechanical instrument converted to a church organ. Each time I watch I imagine what fun it would be to go on one of these adventures with you. ~Kimberly

[@susanfisher4344]

Thank you for educating me about the organ and for the lovely visits to country churches. I enjoy your videos so much.

[@user-di2jv9ki5w]

Ben, you bring peace and tranquility to our lives with your wonderful videos which are always so interesting and informative combined with your superb music. I love your explanation of each organ in every church you visit and the history of these beautiful and historic buildings. Thank you.

[@giuliakhawaja7929]

Thank you for all the information about Wiltshire and fascinating details of each church and its organ.

[@francois7]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos ! Thank you !

[@spikey8t]

Wonderful as always! Thank you for providing such a lovely experience!

[@HJEvan]

I didn't know I liked organ music before I watched this channel.

[@duaneadams5210]

Another great presentation. I really enjoy your videos and the way you can make these small organs sing. Thank You for sharing these.

[@simonhattrell5321]

Thank you again Ben. Sobering but uplifting.

[@saltburner2]

A sermon in music, which reaches much further tan mere words.

[@rogerwalton8160]

Thank you for another inspirational video. I have particularly fond memories of “I know that my redeemer liveth” being sung by a young Emma Kirkby in York Minster and also by my wife Sue in our local Parish Church here in Fulford, York - a truly emotional work.

[@williamwade641]

A magical and inspiring moment. Thank you Ben.

[@anitasmith203]

I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. Job19:25 ❤ Thank you for you beautiful organ playing and history telling.

[@nancyfalciani5499]

Hi Ben and Happy New Year! What a great video! Right from the start, I was laughing at your mug! Then as you introduced us to the ancient beauty of All Saints Church, I was silenced and awed by a Millennium of secrets that those walls must hold. The readings were perfect and I love your improvised playing. You offer us so much! Discovering this beautiful countryside and these incredible churches is making my bucket list so much longer! This has been a wonderful Epiphany gift. Thank you.

[@margidaly6874]

Thank you for this beautiful opportunity to share your thoughts and magnificent music. I love the history of each you go to and how you find ways to convey this through the choice of music. I started my day with this meditation and can peacefully go about finding comfort in these turbulent times. Have a blessed day too. Greetings from Cape Town South Africa

[@annenewton5403]

Ben we love your videos they bring peace to the soul. Thank you. “I know that my redeemer liveth “is truly amazing Music.

[@user-re1hy6if7d]

Thank you for this. You bring such lovely music out of each organ...and this one seems especially beautiful.

[@frankcorrect6999]

Thanks for another lovely video. I enjoy seeing the churches, and the organs, and the English countryside. I also like your explanations of how the organs work. Please continue this ministry.

[@tomfurgas2844]

Would love to hear more of your wonderful improvisations. It is a lost art but you are rekindling the flame.

[@adrianjohnson7920]

Love the rain at the end. The perfect ending to a hauntingly beautiful experience you brought us from Enford.

[@davestelling]

Thank you, Ben - for the tremendous amount of time and effort required to produce these. They've actually brought me some joy and comfort...

[@ntraha]

a beautiful comment. Thanks for sharing .

[@lorrainereeves4466]

To think that our Lord and saviour is prepared to wait and love us from afar until we return to his loving fold. These very old churches will live on. Thank you Lord.

[@pixmahler5859]

Ben, I can proudly hold my head up high as I watch you since I have just become a supporter. 🎉 Ever since I discovered you not long ago on KZbin I am watching within hours of your post with my eyes glued to the screen. 🥰. Do you, would you, have you ever ???? come to the US and shared your gift of music? We have an endowed organ concert series featuring concert organists from around the world and would welcome an opportunity to be included on any US tour you might have. We are located in Central Virginia in the Eastern US. The only problem would be that it would take you away from your terrific location and tours that you do now and folks would be missing you so very much on KZbin.

[@alfredlappuke7298]

Thank you for living messages from England's country that I don't know. I love the spiritual contribution from the organist, so I loved my countryside: in my youth, in my pastor service in Elsass.

[@user-bm8zi8uh6k]

Dear Ben, thank you for that wonderful video. It’s such a blessing to visit these old churches with you. Those old instruments have such pure, lovely sound. Thank you from New England! Royden

[@GerhardRessi-hg8ys]

Have a happy New Year,Ben,and please us with your fantastic organ playing also in 2024! Greetings and best wishes from Austria!

[@user-zz8ds8or3k]

How lovely that thanks to Ben, even the most commonplace and insignificant Englisch village organs are saved from oblivion ...

[@jenni48.32]

Dear Ben Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2024. How wonderful to listen and meditate to the gracious wonders of yet another English Church 'All Saints' of Enford. Its amazing to hear the history of the church. From the barrel organ to composed music and played 'Strengthened with all might' how befitting to hear an array of all works of music.The vision of this church of outside beauty and inside is - yes as if time stood still and yet enjoying the solitude of blessed silence a meditative spiritual voice infuses the essence of freedom to be in the present. Ben you enlighten the day with gladness. Can't wait to see the next English church that will grace another day. Thankyou and God bless.

[@colinardron198]

Totally inspiring!

[@kelvinsmallwood6315]

Thks Ben for another interesting video. A beautiful church. Amazing what sound you got out this small organ. It is good to know these small churches are still well kept.

[@twanohguy]

Ben, you and your wonderful music and information about the church are just superb!

[@swilson464]

Ben, you are a blessing. You do what you do very well indeed. I always look forward to your postings and narratives on the history of the place you visited. Thank you.

[@timc4293]

HI Ben, Greetings from Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. I absolutely love your tours of various English Country Churches, your performances and especially your commentary. Thank you for enlightening us. Your musical selections are awesome.

[@raquelmacfarlane3932]

So much appreciate you Ben! USA 🇺🇸🙏

[@KenG557]

Ben, your music and words are a true inspiration. (But I do worry about you driving on the wrong side of the road. 😉)

[@philipbromiley7703]

Super to see All Saints Enford… it’s a gem. We hold a breakfast church once a month that is attracted local families and bringing people from the whole community together…

[@paulopanza9581]

Watching this video of yours in the high temperature of Summer in Brazil could seem as a big contrast, but you did so beautifully well that I almost could feel the cold winter in my body. For sure in my soul. With tears in my eyes and warm gratitude. God bless you!

[@alainriviere7950]

M. Ben Maton. Marcus Aurelius and I send tidings from the US. You’re an anachronism to us here, yet I can’t resist coming back to your channel.

[@reinhardgraf7401]

Ben Maton, thank you for publishing this wonderful video only a few days ago. Music has always been a very important part of my life, reflecting my emotions, bringing joy or consolation. The latter is true for me now, since my mother has passed away 20 days ago. -- And what I do not want to forget mentioning: I appreciate your way of presenting these gems of forgotten instruments and places. Thank you.