Music

The Music Ministry at First Baptist Church is an inspiring and integral part of the worship service, offering a variety of musical styles by a variety of musical groups, for every taste and every age. Congregational involvement is encouraged through hymn and response singing and, of course, participation in the various musical ensembles: Children’s Choir, Chancel Choir (for adults and teens), the Keenan Hand Bell Choir and the Instrumental Ensemble. One of the treasures of the church is the 1864 E & GG Hook tracker organ, the oldest in the City and one of only four of that manufacturer in the State of Vermont. It was fully restored in 1996. We have a terrific organist and choir director who bring a variety of music to our worship and life together. The Children’s Choir is an integral part of the Christian Education program and the children sing during worship on the last Sunday of the month. The Chancel Choir sings every Sunday between Sept. and June and for special occasions. They rehearse each Thursday from 7-8:30 pm. The Instrumental Ensemble has regular practice times and play regularly for worship from Sept. to June. The musical groups not only participate in the Sunday services, but also enhance holiday services, and other special occasions including pageants and concerts. During the summer months, the musically-talented congregation and some of their friends provide “special music,” along with the organist, for worship services. Music is very important to this church and has been throughout its long history. We have “great acoustics.” The church is also a regular venue for other musical groups to hold concerts and recitals.  Every year a visiting artist is invited to play the annual Dopp Organ Recital, endowed by her daughter in honor of former organist, Katharine E. Dopp. We also host other organ recitals and sometimes conventions of national organist groups, because of the historically and musically significant nature of the instrument.