"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:1-2)

Serving the Streetsville and Meadowvale communities since 1836.

Phoenix Organ Installation Diary at Streetsville United

At a special congregational meeting held December 15, 2002 the congregation of Streetsville United Church approved the purchase and installation of a Phoenix PD-351 Digital Organ to replace its current Keates Pipe Organ with some components dating back to 1920. This diary will attempt to log the progress of the organ's construction and installation during the spring of 2003.

Sunday, April 20, 2003

Easter Sunday: A Full Sanctuary

Over the past three years we have acquired a (traditional) acoustic piano, built up three bands and now installed a new organ. At our Men's Club breakfast a week ago Friday, Jim Anderson of Phoenix discussed the North American trend he was seeing where many churches (especially those with larger and younger congregations) were forsaking the traditional music accompanied by an organ for bands with guitars, electronic keyboards and other contemporary instruments in an attempt to stem declining participation. His feeling was that in today's music ministry there needs to be a convergence of traditional and contemporary church music to provide the mix of inspiration needed to keep congregations covering all age groups vibrant and active.

Today's Easter Sunday worship service demonstrated the power of such a "converged" music ministry. It combined pre-service contemporary singing, led by our Boomer Band, followed by a traditional organ prelude, an introit and initial hymn followed by more singing led by the Boomer Band, a trio employing special features of the new organ and an anthem accompanied by our piano. The service demonstrated the inspiration generated by this powerful music combination; having the new organ was the final pillar that brought music to life for the entire congregation throughout the entire service.

Given the response of our music leadership, the choir and the congregation today, we look forward to many similar inspiring worship opportunities.
Posted 4/20/2003 12:45:00 p.m. by Jim Courtney