music at messiah
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!
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Instrumentalists
Messiah is fortunate to have talented instrumentalists who participate in worship as needed. If you play an instrument and are interested in sharing your talent at Messiah, please talk with our Director of Music, Mary Phillips. We are always excited to welcome new talent.
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Luther Choir (9:30 am Worship) The Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. Email Mary Phillips for more information.
The Luther Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings and sings regularly in Sunday worship services from September through May. Membership is open to all singers, with or without choral singing experience.
Wittenberg Ringers (Handbells) Email Mary Phillips for the Handbell Choir rehearsal schedule.
The Wittenberg Ringers are an adult handbell choir using Messiah’s three-octave set of Malmark bells.
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 Director of Music 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.