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.
Please contact our Director of Music, John Sullivan at [email protected] or by phone 910.763.1628 for more information.
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.
A Classical Christmas
Save the date and make plans to join us for A Classical Christmas concert featuring some of our favorite vocalists and musicians. More details coming soon!
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St. James Choir Rehearsal
Thursdays | 7:00-8:30 p.m. | Choir Room Choir practice always begins with vocal warms ups peppered with encouraging quips and anecdotes from Choir Director John Sullivan. As a transition from warmups we sing through the hymns for the upcoming ...
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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...
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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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Director of Music
Worship Ministry Co-Chair
Worship Ministry Co-Chair
Worship Ministry Communicator
Vestry - Class of 2023, Worship Vestry Liaison
Rector
