Music Ministry

Music is an integral and celebrated part of the community and worship at First Churches. The adult choir is directed by Rebecca Phelps and meets Thursday evenings from 7 – 8:30 and Sunday mornings at 9:00 to rehearse for the 10AM service. The choir sings regularly as part of Sunday services from September through June. Music of every style from gospel to medieval and classical is explored for its interest, beauty and enhancement of the scriptural message. Membership in the choir is encouraged for anyone who loves to sing. No need for prior experience or music reading is required. The children’s choir, lead by Heather Williams, rehearses after worship on Sunday mornings. They sing intermittently throughout the academic year. Any child who attends church is welcome to join by speaking with Heather. Please contact the church office for Heather’s contact information. Rebecca Phelps leads the handbell choir at First Churches which rehearses and plays for special occasions throughout the year. The church owns a three octave set of Malmark bells and a three octave set of handchimes as well. The chimes were a gift in memory of long-time bell choir members Beatrice Fitts and Dorothy Swain. First Churches is home to the magnificent E.M. Skinner and Son Organ (1936). The organ has been a featured instrument in the Organ Historical Society conventions in Springfield. It was recently lovingly restored by Czelusniak et Dugal of Northampton who continues to service it regularly. The church is also home to a 1900 Steinway O piano which is in the process of being restored.