First’s 26-rank Holtkamp pipe organ was installed in 1985 and refurbished in 2018. This lovely organ is played for every worship service. Guest organ recitals are given annually, often by American Guild of Organists’ National Competition winners. FPC’s organist, Janice Robison, performs recitals several times throughout the year including Christmas, Lent, and during the summer.
The Chancel Choir is made up of church members, as well as section leaders and soloists from Ohio University and the Athens community. Dr. David Tadlock is the choir director. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary and on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in the choir room. All are invited to join the Chancel Choir which sings weekly for worship services during the academic year.
The Handbell Choir rehearses weekly from 6 – 7 p.m. in Room 1 downstairs in the church building. The ensemble plays during worship services about once a month during the academic year. The handbell director is Kirsten Trachsel.
Chime Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. in Room 2 in the church building. All children ages 8 through youth are invited to participate. The ensemble plays several times throughout the school year during the worship service.
FPC welcomes guest musicians to weekly worship services during summer months and at special times throughout the church year. The second Sunday of Advent is the annual Christmas Music Service and Christmas Eve is a service of Lessons and Carols. The Ohio Brass, Ohio University’s Faculty Brass Quintet, join the Chancel Choir, Organ, and Handbell Choir every Easter to enrich worship and proclaim God’s glory.
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