Ministries

Music

Music ministry is a vital part of worship at First Presbyterian Church. The Sanctuary Choir provides the congregation with choral introits and anthems during worship throughout the church year. The Bell Choir also plays during Sunday services about once a month. The newest music group is the Children’s Chime Choir. This group is learning to play the chimes as part of the Wednesday night program.

Historically speaking, organ music symbolizes praise offered to the glory of God. This symbolism is alive and well at First Presbyterian through its Austin organ, built in Hartford, CT and installed in 1958. In 2007, the organ underwent an extensive renovation including replacement of the leather on the pneumatic actions and the bellows, testing of all pneumatic actions, addition of two ranks of pipes (a 2’ Principle stop adding brilliance to the top register of the organ, and a Zimbelstern stop adding the sound of small bells ringing), new lighting for the inside organ chamber, and a new motor providing air for the instrument.

Guest musicians are a tradition at First Presbyterian. On any given Sunday, with special emphasis around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, one may hear the organ with violin, trumpet, flute or trombone.

Also, at First Presbyterian, the music program ministers to the community. Through the Bennett Memorial Concerts the public is invited to experience outstanding choral works. In October of 2007, the Sanctuary Choir, joined by choral singers from the community, presented Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio, “Elijah”.