Music & Liturgy Notes

July 14

The 19th century Gospel Hymn How can I keep from singing? will be heard this morning sung by Tenor Soloist, Rider Foster. The words, erroneously thought to be of Quaker origin first appeared in The New York Observer in 1868 and were attributed to “Pauline T.” No other atrributions have ever been found. The music most associated with this hymn was composed by Robert Lowry, the American preacher and composer of Gospel music, whose most famous hymn is Shall we gather at the river?

Lowry was born in Philadelphia in 1826, studied at the University of Lewisburg in PA and entered the Baptist ministry in 1854. He served congregations in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Although he considered preaching his principal vocation, it is as a hymn writer, with over 500 titles, that he is chiefly remembered alongside W.H. Doane and Ira D. Sankey. Lowry died in Plainfield, NJ, where he served the Park Avenue Church, in 1899.

Also this morning, organ works of Louis Vierne (1870-1937), the great Parisian organist and composer will be heard. Vierne served as organist at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris from 1900 to 1937. Vierne lived a life of physical and emotional difficulties, not the least of which was a condition of congenital cataracts, rendering him “legally” blind. These spiritual trials were often reflected in his music. His prolific output included Six Organ Symphonies, considered to be great monuments of the French Symphonic Organ School, of which Vierne is considered a towering figure. His two volume 24 Pieces in Free Style, a collection of character pieces, contain more intimate works such as the Lullaby and Song heard today. Vierne died at the great organ console of Notre Dame while in the midst of playing his 1750th organ recital at the iconic cathedral. His passage “from strength to strength in the life of perfect service,” in that miraculous building and at that majestic instrument could not have been more seamless.

Jubilation Choir

The Jubilation Choir is open to boys and girls 5th grade through high school. The choir performs on Youth Sundays and special services during the program year. The choir rehearses after the 10:00 am service from 11:15 to noon in the choir room. Schola Cantorum also invites those interested to learn to play our set of hand chimes and other instruments while developing musicianship skills.

Annual Meeting Slideshow:
A look back at 2018

Children's Service

JOY worship runs all year long! Sunday service and eucharist perfect for children ages infant-5yrs. Come be part of the fun from 9:15-9:45AM.

Adult Choir

Do you love to sing? Please consider joining our choir and participating in a vital ministry. The choir musically leads our services each Sunday at 10 am. The choir’s repertoire includes great masterpieces from our Anglican tradition as well as beloved classics along with spirituals and contemporary choral works. We have openings for all voice parts.

Youth African Drumming

Youth of all ages are welcome to join the African Drumming Troupe. The Youth African Drumming Troupe performs on the first Sunday of every month. This group is led by Marlene Whittemore Pillow directly following Sunday School on the first Sunday of the month, in one of the lower level classrooms. Bring your drum if you have one. All are welcome!