Men and women of The Choir of Trinity Wall Street standing in St. Paul's Chapel, wearing all black, holding candles and singing.

Compline by Candlelight

Sundays; 8–8:30pm in St. Paul’s Chapel

The Choir of Trinity Wall Street; Thomas McCargar, director

Compline means "completion" and is an ancient rite of prayers to end the day. Providing peace and stillness as one week ends and another begins, Trinity's 30-minute Compline service is unique in that all who enter are asked to simply hold a candle as the The Choir of Trinity Wall Street beautifully improvises these nighttime prayers in song.

Compline takes place in-person at historic St. Paul's Chapel (209 Broadway at Fulton Street), and reservations are not required. Compline audio podcasts are also released every Sunday on our website, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other podcast apps. Listen to the latest episodes below.

Compline Service Details

Compline by Candlelight provides peace and stillness as one week ends and another begins. There’s nothing to do but listen, breathe, and be.

Compline by Candlelight art with a candle and the words, Compline: find some peace and choir

A Closer Look at Compline

In this video, choir member Jonathan Woody takes you inside Compline by Candlelight, a 30-minute Sunday evening service with improvised choral music.

Man in a black coat kneels in a dimly-lit St. Paul's Chapel to light a candle.

Worship Services

Worship is at the center of life at Trinity Church Wall Street. Sunday services are held online and in person at Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel. Weekday services are held online and in person at Trinity Church. Whether you are a lifelong Episcopalian, from another faith tradition, exploring your faith, or just visiting, you are welcome to join us in worship.

People at Compline holding candles and service programs

Recent Recordings

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video

Compline by Candlelight

May 28, 2023

Compline by Candlelight provides peace and stillness as one week ends and another begins. Set in the tranquility of St. Paul’s Chapel. Tonight, hear The Choir of Trinity Wall Street improvise the 23rd Psalm by Bobby McFerrin.

video

Compline by Candlelight

May 21, 2023

Compline by Candlelight provides peace and stillness as one week ends and another begins. Set in the tranquility of St. Paul’s Chapel. Tonight, hear The Choir of Trinity Wall Street improvise the 23rd Psalm by Bobby McFerrin.

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