As I began my faith journey in the Episcopal Church, I have fond memories of singing in the choir at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, Texas, where my high school choir director also served as the choirmaster. For special occasions such as ordinations, he would ask some of us to supplement the parish choir. I was hooked. I loved the liturgy and loved the sacred music. My freshman year at TWU I was confirmed at a small parish in Denton, where some Sundays I showed up for choir and was asked to sight read a solo for the offertory anthem. From tiny parish choirs to large ones with paid section leaders, church music continues to ground and support my journey. Since landing at St. Thomas, I have watched our tiny (by most standards) choir evolve over the years, but it remains an important blessing in my life.
Creating an ensemble sound made up of diverse voices is challenging at best, but the gifted singers who comprise the St. Thomas choir have learned over the years to blend in making a joyful noise unto the Lord. In the words of my fellow (literally) choir members, I will share what being part of this great St. Thomas choir means to them:
“From childhood, I’ve always been drawn to music in the Church. Choir has always been the place I can minister and be ministered to.” Dan Hall
“Praising God with music enhances the meaning of the service.” Wynne Vorhees
“Being able to use my musical training and voice in this group of accomplished musicians is a joy.” Michael Winsor
“Music has always been a major part of my life and I’m thankful to be able to give back to my parish family, praising God’s message through my voice.” Fred Owen
“The fellowship within the choir adds emphasis to the joy of music. Through music I can express the love of God better than with my own words.” Charles Mullins
With our new organ, the gift of our beloved departed Chet Flake and Bud Knight, and under the servant leadership and expert guidance of Lee Corbin, our organist and choirmaster, we work together to make music to God’s glory. Throughout the church year, the choir offers its ministry in music to celebrate happy occasions, complement the liturgy, and support folks in times of grief and loss.
Making music is our ministry. We invite and welcome others to join us in that ministry. Of all the parishes in which I have sung, I hear more great voices in the congregation each time we worship than I am used to hearing in many of the parishes I have attended.
Each member of the choir is called to this ministry, and we are blessed to be able to minister to each other, to you, and to God through this gift of music. As you consider this ministry of music, I leave you with words attributed to St. Augustine, “He who sings, prays twice.”
article written by: June Marshall
