Under distinguished patronage the Guild was founded in 1888 as the Church Choir Guild. It was incorporated in 1905 to become known as the Incorporated Guild of Church Musicians. The foundation patrons were Archbishop Frederick Temple and Sir George Elvey, organist of St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
The Guild is a fellowship of those who sincerely desire to offer the best in music to the service of the church, both amateur and professional musicians being unified in a common ideal.
Membership is open to all members of the Christian Church. The annual subscription is £20, payable in January. New members elected on or after 1st of October are deemed to have paid their subscription for the following year.
The Guild has, since 1961, been charged with the responsibility of administering and examining for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Certificate in Church Music. From 1988 the Certificate was renamed The Archbishops’ Certificate in Church Music (being Canterbury and Westminster). This certificate is awarded after examination to organist/choirmasters, choristers, cantors, and leaders of worship (instrumentalists). In 1993 the Archbishops' Award in Church Music was instituted. This consists of the practical part of the Archbishops' Certificate. There is also the Archbishops' Certificate in Public Worship (ACertPW) and Fellowship (FGCM), which are awarded after examination. Holders of the Certificates and Fellowship may use the appropriate letters ACertCM, ACertPW and FGCM after their names and wear the appropriate authorised hood. Award holders may wear the authorised badge. For younger people and those who are new to Church Music there is also The Archbishops' Preliminary Certificate in Church Music, which is a basic qualification. Details are available from the Examinations Secretary.
The detailed current syllabus for the Guild’s examinations, together with leaflets giving suggestions as to the methods of preparation for the examinations may be obtained upon application to the Registrar and/or Examinations Secretary and/or General Secretary.
Apart from the Year Book the magazine 'Laudate' is published three times a year.