Music is such a vital part of our life here at Messiah. We are fortunate to have a diverse and talented group of musicians of all ages who lead in worship and other activities throughout the year. Singing the liturgy is a primary focus of all of our worship. Strong hymn singing by the entire congregation is accompanied by a wonderful Andover pipe organ, experienced choirs and many instrumentalists and vocalists. Messiah has a long history of good music and musicians.

We invite everyone to join in the song of the assembly using whatever talents God has graced them with. We come together to “sing a joyful song to the Lord!

Instrumentalists
Messiah is indeed fortunate to have many talented and experienced instrumentalists including an amazing flutist, keyboard players, percussionists and guitarists.

If you play and instrument and are interested in sharing your talent at Messiah, please talk with Joan McGinnis, Director of Music. She is always excited to work with new talent.

Music Rehearsals
Music groups rehearse September through May.

Augsburg Choir (8:30 am Worship)

The Augsburg Choir sings for the 8:30 AM worship. They rehearse at 5:00 pm on Wednesday evenings in the choir room. Preparing primarily unison and two-part music, this is a choir for everyone…those who have sung in choirs for years, as well as those who have always wanted to, but usually just “sing in the shower!” They have a lot of fun during rehearsals, but have been challenged to learn a lot of diverse music. They join with the Luther Choir for special Sundays such as Reformation, Palm Sunday and Easter.

Luther Choir (11:00 am Worship)

The Luther Choir sings for 11:00 AM worship on Sunday mornings. This choir rehearses in the choir room on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm and sings in worship from September to May. Comprised of many talented and trained musicians, this SATB choir has been the primary choir of Messiah since the church’s beginning. They have sung many of major choral works, including John Rutter’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. Those who enjoy a challenging repertoire are invited and encouraged to join.

Wittenberg Ringers (Handbells)

The Wittenberg Ringers is an adult handbell choir of thirteen ringers using a three-octave set of Malmark Bells and chimes. Some of these talented folks have been ringing for years. Others have just recently joined the group. The Wittenberg Ringers rehearse at 5:45 pm on Thursday evenings in the handbell room on the lower level. They play several times a year for both services and participate in the Knoxville Area Handbell Festival usually held in March. We always have room for another ringer, so newcomers are always welcome.

The Andover Organ

Messiah is blessed to have one of the best organs in East Tennessee. The organ is a two manual, 25 rank, mechanical action instrument built by the Andover Organ Company of Massachusetts. It was installed in 1982 and dedicated to Sally Nelson who served many years as organist at Messiah. If you look closely at the area above the music desk, in front of the swell, you will see Sally’s favorite Bible passage: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” The organ was incomplete at the time of the original installation. The swell division and additional pedal stops were added in 1990. John Brock, professor of organ at the University of Tennessee, was organist during this time.

Click here for more information about the organ.