The musical heritage of the Episcopal Church is one of the world’s richest and most deeply spiritual musical traditions, and music is a central part of our liturgy at St. James.
Sacred music is a form of prayer and enables us to express that which is otherwise inexpressible. It enables us to touch the central depth of our humanness and opens a door that enables us to know the presence of God. Our beautiful liturgies for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost offer glorious music to assist in our yearly journey through Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. St. James offers many ways to be a part of this musical tradition.
Musical History of St. James Parish
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. Learn more about the history and influence of organs in our organization.
The earliest existing reference to music at St. James was 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. Eleven years later the Rector was authorized to organize a choir, and by October of that year it was reported in The Morning Star newspaper 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.
Handbell Choir Rehearsals
Calling all Handbell Ringers and those who are interested in ringing bells, especially Youth and Adults! Come be a part of the Handbell Choir. All who are interested are invited to join us for rehearsal on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in Green Room, l...
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Children's and Cherubs' Choir Rehearsals
Beginning October 9 | Wednesdays | 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Children’s Choir (2nd - 5th Grades) meet in the Choir Room Leader: Dr. Bill Weisser Cherub’s Choir (age 4 - 1st Grade) meet in the Children’s Chapel Leader:...
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Children's and Cherubs' Choir Rehearsals
Beginning October 9 | Wednesdays | 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Children’s Choir (2nd - 5th Grades) meet in the Choir Room Leader: Dr. Bill Weisser Cherub’s Choir (age 4 - 1st Grade) meet in the Children’s Chapel Leader:...
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Children's and Cherubs' Choir Rehearsals
Beginning October 9 | Wednesdays | 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Children’s Choir (2nd - 5th Grades) meet in the Choir Room Leader: Dr. Bill Weisser Cherub’s Choir (age 4 - 1st Grade) meet in the Children’s Chapel Leader:...
Read More
Children's and Cherubs' Choir Rehearsals
Beginning October 9 | Wednesdays | 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Children’s Choir (2nd - 5th Grades) meet in the Choir Room Leader: Dr. Bill Weisser Cherub’s Choir (age 4 - 1st Grade) meet in the Children’s Chapel Leader:...
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Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 8 | 4:00 p.m. | St. James Parish Make plans to join us for Lessons and Carols featuring our St. James Choir! Together we’ll welcome the season of Advent with song and scripture.
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New Opportunity: Handbell Choir
Calling all Handbell Ringers and those who are interested in ringing bells, especially Youth and Adults! Beginning in September we are organizing a Handbell Choir. We need approximately 10 ringers to cover 3 octaves of bells. Being able to r...
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Choir Rehearsal
Thursdays | 7:00-8:30 p.m. | Choir Room
All who are interested are warmly invited to join the St. James Choir for our weekly evening practice. Choir practice always begins with vocal warm-ups. As a transition from warmups, we sing through th...
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Welcoming our Interim Director of Music
Dear Parish Family, I write to share with you that Dr. William (Bill) Weisser has accepted my invitation to serve as Interim Director of Music at St. James Parish. Bill has been offering his talents as Guest Organist since July 7th, and will no...
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A Message of Gratitude from John Sullivan
Dear People of St. James Parish: Please accept my most heartfelt thanks for the wonderful celebration of my ministry at St. James, held at the City Club on Thursday 1 August. It was a truly wonderful evening of recognition, acknowledgment, and l...
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Sing For Joy! An Invitation
Now that we're into the hazy, lazy days of summer, fall is just around the corner, This would be a wonderful time to consider joining the choir. Through the first of September, the choir meets at 9:15-10:05 in the Choir Room in the Bridger's M...
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A Joyful Replay: A Classical Christmas 2023
Just in case you missed it or would like to expereince the joy again, here is a replay of A Classical Christmas - December 2023.
St. James Episcopal Church is proud to present “A Classical Christmas,” featuring St. James’ own celebr...
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Meet the St. James Choir
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With this Grapevine issue we continue to introduce the members of the choir! SAM CRAIG- Hi! I’m Sam Craig. I’m new to St. James Parish, having just graduated i...
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Thanksgiving for our St. James Choir Members
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With this Grapevine issue we continue to introduce the members of the choir, beginning with those who have served longest, and who share what it’s like to lift our pra...
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Meet the St. James Choir
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With the October 2022 Grapevine issue we continue to introduce the members of the choir, beginning with those who have served longest, and who share what it’s like to ...
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Thanking Our Musicians
This summer, we've been blessed to enjoy wonderful music both downtown and at Mt. Lebanon Chapel. We want to take this opportunity to highlight of few of the talented individuals who helped make this possible! ZACHARY BUGG- Zachary Bugg has...
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Meet the St. James Choir
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With this Grapevine issue we begin to introduce the members of the choir, beginning with those who have served longest, and who share what it’s like to lift our praise...
Read More
Around the Parish: Meet the Choir
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With the July Grapevine, we begin to introduce the members of the choir, beginning with those who have served longest, and who share what it’s like to lift our praises...
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