Music at St. Paul's

Music is an integral and important part of our worship experience at St. Paul's. Two choirs provide music during worship services, and members are encouraged to provide special music in solos or small groups, either vocally or instrumentally. The Spirit Singers enhance the monthly Spirit Services and there is a children’s Sunday School Music program for children in grades PreK-8.

Ted Dix is our Director of Music.

The Choirs of St. Paul's UCC

Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir, led by Ted Dix performs at the late Sunday morning service. A wide variety of styles of music are performed: Bach, Rutter, spirituals, African folk songs, and contemporary compositions. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9, from September through the end of May.

Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir, led this year by Ted Dix performs throughout the year, using four octaves of handbells, as well as a set of hand chimes. This choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 7:30PM.

Spirit Singers

Music is an integral part of the Spirit Service. Jane McIlvain is the heart of the music. She and Marsha Vogel select the music. Jane holds practice each Sunday at noon, holds a Saturday practice before the service, and plays the piano for worship. Henry Reiff accompanies Jane on the guitar. This year we have added rhythm instruments which the singers use to accentuate the beat. The Spirit Singers are: Thom Ballantine, Donna Boston, Karen Farley, Debbie Finch, Bill Kelly, Barbara and Glenn Patterson, and Marsha Vogel. Thanks to out to all the musicians who practice and participate so the “Spirit” is heard in the service.

St. Paul's Organ

St. Paul's Organ was built in 1941 by the former M.P. Moller Organ Factory in Hagerstown, MD. The instrument consists of four divisions: Great, Swell, Choir, and Pedal -- virtually four organs in one -- in two chambers on either side of the balcony. The organ contains 24 ranks (or rows) of pipes ranging in tone quality from the beautiful Claribel Flute to the stately Trompette en Chamade.

The church consultant for the organ was Mr. Henry A. Baecker and the design of the instrument is in the tradition of the English cathedral organs of the 19th Century. The dedicatory recital was performed on May 4, 1941, by Virgil Fox -- formerly an organist of St. Paul's -- who was known world-wide as a virtuoso performer.

Last update: September 10, 2004