A popular humorist once said, “Many Episcopalians are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony, a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person’s rib cage. It’s natural for Episcopalians to sing in harmony.” While singing is part of our tradition and part of the beauty of worship, it’s also a deeply prayerful act.

Our services are full of music. The congregation sings three or four hymns each Sunday, and often joins the choir in singing the Psalm. Our choir leads worship by chanting the Psalm, leading the hymns, and singing choral anthems drawn from the vast repertoire of sacred music composition for choir. At all times, music choices strive to support the lectionary readings appointed for the day, with a particular focus on the integration of music into liturgy.

The music program is supported by a tracker action organ by the New York firm of J.H and C.S. Odell, dating from 1873, and restored in 1995. Comprising 17 stops distributed over two manuals and pedal, the organ is relatively small, but possesses a bold voice which is very at home in our sanctuary, and has proven to be a lovely support to congregational singing and versatile in the performance of a broad repertoire.