Music Ministries of the
First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, Iowa
First Presbyterian Church Choir
Take Note
Someone said that there are three things that the longer you have kept them, the better they will be: those are the violin, wine and a friend. I am not able to explain the reason for violin and wine well enough even though I am sure that's true. But I would like to think more about the friendships we want to achieve through our lives.
True friendships are like a tree with deep roots that have stood the test of time. Good friends don't need to get together that often to make sure their relationships are still alive, but they will prove their strong bonds when needed, like springtime when the old tree produces its new green leaves from their branches after a long, severe winter.
I often try to find out what is the secret of this true friendship. Trusting, understanding, sharing, and many more factors I can think of, but recently I added one more to this list. Accepting each other as we are based on the trust and understanding we share through time.
It is true we have better chances to know about people with time, but it doesn't guarantee that it will make a true friendship. Knowing well is a good start. However, understanding and accepting are crucial next steps. It means they know each others' good as well as bad sides in their lives and about their personalities and so on. Then they enjoy their bright sides together and encourage each other to improve their weak sides with sincere effort and sympathy.
After joining the life of First Presbyterian Church, I truly hope that I can enjoy and share true friendship with people at this church from now on. I started getting to know people around me in the staff, musical groups and later the large congregation. I thank those people who showed me their patience and welcoming gestures. I hope I will give it back to the people who will join us in the life of this church in the future.
Taemin
Music Ministry Opportunities at FPC
Music brings people together to glorify God.
There are musical opportunities for all ages at First Church. The emphasis of the music programs is always as worship leaders, not as performers. We encourage all levels of talent to share their gifts of music.
Sanctuary Choir -- Choir rehearsals are held each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Senior highs and adults are cordially invited. We sing music from classical to contemporary and everything in between. During Advent, the choir presents an extended work with orchestra. Past works have included: Vivaldi's "Gloria", Rutter's "Gloria", Bach's Magnificat", Handel's "Messiah" and other works.
Celebration Ringers -- Handbell choir rehearsals are held at 6:15 p.m. each Wednesday evening. The church has five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and four octaves of hand chimes. This group has participated in regional bell festivals, the UNI Chimes of Christmas, weddings and other community events.
God has truly blessed our church with incredible musicians—past and present—and the music sung, rung, and played here has and continues to glorify our Creator and inspire our hearts. We are still looking for new members in all of our ensembles. We ask that you consider how you could participate with us. Please contact the FPC Music Department with your ideas by telephone: 319-233-6145.
The Carillon Bells -- reached their 85th birthday during the week of May 25, 2008. In 1923, ten bronze bells, cast in Baltimore, MD and totaling over six tons, were donated by sisters Ruth and Josephine Maine (who had become members during the last Sunday service at the Boulder Church) for the tower of the present church building. A three-day long celebration began with a patriotic ceremony and dedication concert played on Decoration Day 1923 by Mr. M.H. Metee from Baltimore, MD. Described in the Session minutes as one of the biggest events in the history of this church and community, an estimated attendance of over 5,000 people—comprised of the mayor of Waterloo, national dignitaries, and veterans from the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World War I—witnessed the event. The Session minutes state that Lincoln Park was filled to standing room and "automobiles filled the streets for several blocks in every direction." Mr. J.W. Rath, the chairperson of the congregation, gave the address and formal words of acceptance. In 1968, an F# bell, cast in the Netherlands, was given by the Enwright family in memory of Maxine Sansone, who had been the First Church secretary for 25 years. In 2009, three new bells were given by an anonymous donor, with automatic bell-ringing equipment for the carillon tower. Click here for more information: Carillon Bells
"Listen for the ringing of our Carillon bells
throughout Waterloo!"