Music Opportunities
Our music program is in an exciting period of growth and change. We hope that you will be able to join us in any or all of our musical groups.
Chancel Choir- This group's main emphasis is to lead the
congregation in music worship on Sunday mornings. It leads the
congregation each Sunday morning with introit, responses, anthems,
and meditations. The Chancel Choir provides music ministry through a
wide variety of musical styles from Southern Gospel to
Classical to uplifting spirituals. It has become a dynamic,
faith-filled organization. This group rehearses Wednesday evenings
at 7:30 pm. This group will minister to the people with special
music programs for Christmas and/or Easter. Directed by Bruce
Grosland.
Chancel Ringers- This group's main focus is to provide
special music throughout the church year. It has a 3-octave set of
Bells and usually has 12-14 ringers. They rehearse Tuesday evenings
from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Directed by Ruth Immerfall.
Crusade Choir- This group's main focus is missionary music
for area churches and nursing homes. They rehearse currently on
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. They also traditionally perform a
special program for Christmas and Easter and also various times
throughout the year with the Chancel Choir. They perform
contemporary style music. Directed by Mike
Karl.
Our children regularly share their musical talents in the worship service. During Sunday School, they arrange special presentations to complement the regular worship service.
The organ was dedicated during the Palm Sunday worship service in 1963. Mr. Harry Ivorson of the Moeller Company designed the instrument, and J.R. Gould & Son of Minneapolis installed and tuned it.
The organ has four sections: The Great Organ, The Small Organ, The Choir Organ, and the Pedal Organ. There is a three-manual console with electro-pneumatic action, eighteen ranks of pipes and thirty stops, numerous windchests, expression shades, switches, relays, and wind tunnels. In addition, the instrument has nine couplers, five adjustable combinations, six pedal movements, and a general cancel piston. There are 1040 separate pipes and an additional 478 notes.
The contractors involved in this initial installation were Schellinger Brothers, General Contractors; Neil Electric; St. Cloud Plumbing; and Phillips Heating Company.
Organ renovation work began in October 1998 by Gould and Schultz Inc. of Minneapolis. The instrument has now been re-leathered, re-voiced, and additions made to the Choir and Great Divisions. Currently, there are only two other organs in the city of Saint Cloud that are the size and quality of the organ at First Presbyterian Church. They are at St. Augustine's and St. Mary's Cathedral.
