Music has long been a part of the history and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. We view music as a gift to be shared with others. Each week the congregation takes an active role in worship services through the singing of traditional and contemporary hymns. Throughout the year special music is presented by the adult and children’s choirs.  Whether you are interested in participating in a choir or in singing with the congregation, we invite you to join us.       

INSTRUMENTS

Organ

Our sanctuary houses a two manual Schantz 28-rank pipe organ.  It has 1,986 pipes, ranging in size from six inches to 16 feet long.  The organ consists of four divisions:  the Great and the Swell, and the Pedal, located in the chancel area, and the Antiphonal located on the rear of the sanctuary. The organ was installed in our sanctuary in 1970 and renovated, enlarged and revoiced in 1997. Allen Lloyd is our organist.

Pianos

Through donations and the generous gifts of members, we have acquired an abundance of pianos. Three grand pianos are found throughout our buildings. A Steinway is in the sanctuary and a Kimball is in the parlor. An eight-foot Baldwin grand piano is located in the choir room. Other pianos, all studios, are found in the fellowship hall, music rooms and Sunday school classrooms.

Handbells         

The church has five full octaves of MalMark handbells, three octaves of MalMark hand chimes, and two of children’s chimes.  Also, we have a full supply of the highest quality MalMark handbell mallets.  The octaves range from G3 to G8 in handbells, from C4 to C7 in handchimes and from C3 to C5 in children’s chimes. 

Choral Music

The choirs and music groups at First Presbyterian are open to anyone who wishes to participate. Our program offers several opportunities to praise God through song and to deepen the spiritual life of our church and community. 

Our Chancel Choir meets in the choir room at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays September through May and 10:30 on Sundays June, July and August. This adult choir provides musical selections from a variety of eras and composers and sings for the traditional 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service and for some special services. This group leads worship service every Sunday with the exception of Mother’s Day and Youth Sunday. Ray Harris is the director.

The Youth Chorale meets on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. in the choir room. Participating in the choir helps develop strong musical skills while providing a time of Christian fellowship. Enjoying both contemporary and traditional choral music, this group of young people in grades seven through twelve provides music for some of the special worship services throughout the school year. It is a tradition during the Christmas Eve candlelight service for former members to join the current youth choir in singing “Were You There on That Christmas Night?”  Youth Chorale director  is  Jon Lloyd.

Three Children’s Choirs provide an opportunity for those age three through sixth grade to learn the fundamentals of singing in a kid-friendly environment.  The experience also serves as a time for participants to learn some instruments such as xylophones and maracas.  Choir practice is under the direction of Jon Lloyd and is held as a part of the Faith in Small Hearts (FISH) Program September through May in the Education Building on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. following the Family Night dinner.

Handbell Choir   
This choir of youth and adults rehearse in the handbell room at 4:00 p.m. on Sundays September through May. Participants must have some ability to read music. The ringers perform at many 11:00 a.m. and at most seasonal worship services. Jon Lloyd is director.