Music
Music has been at the heart of worship in the Judeo-Christian tradition from the earliest times. David, the second king of Israel, was a talented musician who composed many of the Psalms. The apostle Paul encouraged the Christian community of Colossae to “sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude” in their hearts. Plainchant facilitated the spread of Christianity throughout Europe, and every major Christian movement has been defined by the music that proclaims its message.
Indeed, music has resounded with the walls of this sacred space in Meadville since it was built nearly 150 years ago. The hymns, psalms, and anthems we sing each week are vital part of the church's worship, offered to the glory of God and for the nurture of God's people. If you have a musical talent to share, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Kevin Dill, MMus ARCCO, Director of Music
Indeed, music has resounded with the walls of this sacred space in Meadville since it was built nearly 150 years ago. The hymns, psalms, and anthems we sing each week are vital part of the church's worship, offered to the glory of God and for the nurture of God's people. If you have a musical talent to share, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Kevin Dill, MMus ARCCO, Director of Music
| Music Director's 2022 report.pdf |
Choir
Our mixed-voice choir explores repertoire ranging from Gregorian and Orthodox chant, to classical compositions, to arrangements of spirituals and early American sacred music. On Sunday mornings (September-May) the choir warms up at 9:30, sings at the 10:00 service, takes a short break, and rehearses again until noon. No musical training is necessary to join the choir, although the ability to sing on pitch is expected, as is a basic grasp of musical notation.
Believing in the importance of nurturing the art of choral singing, we annually offer a limited number of scholarships to Allegheny College students who sing with our choir. These singers provide a stable core to our choral sound, and help smooth out seasonal fluctuations in attendance.
Our mixed-voice choir explores repertoire ranging from Gregorian and Orthodox chant, to classical compositions, to arrangements of spirituals and early American sacred music. On Sunday mornings (September-May) the choir warms up at 9:30, sings at the 10:00 service, takes a short break, and rehearses again until noon. No musical training is necessary to join the choir, although the ability to sing on pitch is expected, as is a basic grasp of musical notation.
Believing in the importance of nurturing the art of choral singing, we annually offer a limited number of scholarships to Allegheny College students who sing with our choir. These singers provide a stable core to our choral sound, and help smooth out seasonal fluctuations in attendance.
Liberty Bells
Established in 1975, this ensemble typically rings in church one Sunday each month. They have also performed in concerts and other community events, including Meadville’s much-loved ‘Trees of Christmas’ and the annual 'Spring Ring'. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays (September-May) from 5:30-6:15 PM. No prior handbell experience is required to join, but the ability to read music is necessary.
Established in 1975, this ensemble typically rings in church one Sunday each month. They have also performed in concerts and other community events, including Meadville’s much-loved ‘Trees of Christmas’ and the annual 'Spring Ring'. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays (September-May) from 5:30-6:15 PM. No prior handbell experience is required to join, but the ability to read music is necessary.
French Creek Brass Quintet
The French Creek Brass Quintet, made up of professional musicians from across western Pennsylvania, enriches our worship on several Sundays throughout the year. The generous financial support of Dr. Dennis & Marci Finton makes it possible for us to hear this wonderful ensemble on a regular basis.
The French Creek Brass Quintet, made up of professional musicians from across western Pennsylvania, enriches our worship on several Sundays throughout the year. The generous financial support of Dr. Dennis & Marci Finton makes it possible for us to hear this wonderful ensemble on a regular basis.
Organ
In January 1970, a disastrous fire damaged the sanctuary and destroyed the four-manual organ built in 1924 by the Tellers-Kent company of Erie. While repairs to the building were underway, the congregation engaged the Schlicker Organ Company of Buffalo to craft a new instrument of three manuals and 46 (now 47) ranks, inspired by German organs of the 18th century.
This organ was dedicated in November 1972, and since that time has received a new console and blower, but is otherwise largely unaltered. With over 2,500 pipes it is the largest instrument in Crawford County, and is frequently heard in concert in addition to being at the heart of our weekly worship.
The stoplist can be found online here at the OHS database.
Please enjoy this short video introduction to our pipe organ!
In January 1970, a disastrous fire damaged the sanctuary and destroyed the four-manual organ built in 1924 by the Tellers-Kent company of Erie. While repairs to the building were underway, the congregation engaged the Schlicker Organ Company of Buffalo to craft a new instrument of three manuals and 46 (now 47) ranks, inspired by German organs of the 18th century.
This organ was dedicated in November 1972, and since that time has received a new console and blower, but is otherwise largely unaltered. With over 2,500 pipes it is the largest instrument in Crawford County, and is frequently heard in concert in addition to being at the heart of our weekly worship.
The stoplist can be found online here at the OHS database.
Please enjoy this short video introduction to our pipe organ!
Piano
Steinway #88462 was built in New York in 1897, acquired by First Presbyterian in 1969, and refurbished in 1999. In 2022 it was refurbished again by Amy Marshall of Wexford to ensure it will serve the congregation for decades to come. The rich tones of this historic instrument are an excellent match for the acoustic space it fills.
Steinway #88462 was built in New York in 1897, acquired by First Presbyterian in 1969, and refurbished in 1999. In 2022 it was refurbished again by Amy Marshall of Wexford to ensure it will serve the congregation for decades to come. The rich tones of this historic instrument are an excellent match for the acoustic space it fills.
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125-year-old ivory keys before and after restoration.
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Handbells
Our set of Schulmerich handbells has grown over the years, from two octaves in the 1960s to the five octaves we have today. They are complimented by a three-octave set of Malmark handchimes.
Our set of Schulmerich handbells has grown over the years, from two octaves in the 1960s to the five octaves we have today. They are complimented by a three-octave set of Malmark handchimes.
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(814) 333-2161
890 Liberty Street, Meadville PA, 16335 
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