THE MUSIC PROGRAM AT ST. JAMES PARISH
The Choirs of St. James Parish Music at St. James The Organs of St. James Parish
Music forms an integral part of worship at St. James Parish. Recognizing that the arts make present (in both tangible and intangible ways) the reality of God's presence within our lives, our parish places great emphasis on the thoughtful inclusion of art within our liturgies. Ever-mindful of our significant Anglican heritage, we continually seek creative, artistic responses to our liturgy.
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The great muralist Diego Rivera once said, "Art is like ham. It nourishes people". Although Rivera spoke within the context of visual art, we can certainly expand his comment to include music. Music provides food for the soul-- it comforts, excites, and gladdens in ways that no other art form can do. As such, music becomes part of the personal and corporate worship experience. We come to the liturgy offering praise, prayer and thanksgiving, hoping to leave refreshed and nourished for the journey ahead.
Musical History of St. James Parish
The earliest existing reference to music at St. James occurs in March, 1812 when, by order of the vestry, pews were reserved "for the use of singers". Several attempts were made during the next 85 years to retain a choir for the parish. In March 1874 the vestry ordered music books for the choir at a cost of $25.00. Eleven years later, the rector was authorized to organize a choir and by October of that year it was reported in The Morning Star that "the new surpliced choir, under the direction of Professor Frank Wright, was progressing nicely." In 1896 a choir was once again organized, this time under the direction of Edward H. Munson. At this point in the church's history, the choir consisted of boys, women and men. In the year 1911, payment to the choir boys was discontinued and it appears that from this time forward the choir at St. James was a mixed ensemble.
Today, St. James Parish has two active choirs: the St. James Choir comprised of adult singers, and the Saint Cecilia Choir for girls ages 8-18. A third ensemble, the St. Gregory Choir, will be formed in winter 2007 and is intended for boys ages 8-14. A probationary choir will serve as the training choir for both the Saint Cecilia and St. Gregory choirs.
St. James Parish offers a variety of musical opportunities throughout the year. Please browse our web pages to acquaint yourself with our Music Program. For more information, or to add your name to the Music at St. James mailing list, please contact the music office at 910-763-1628 or music@stjamesp.org.