“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”

MUSIC

The Music Ministry of First Church offers us the opportunity to worship God in music and song.

Whether we listen actively, sing or play an instrument, music brings us closer to the heart of God and allows us to express what we cannot with mere words.

The primary instrument for worship is our 1984 Moller Pipe Organ. In 2006, the membership of First Church of Christ approved a major upgrade and modernization project for the organ. David E. Wallace, Pipe Organ Builders of Gorham, ME was contracted to undertake the rebuilding job. The project was proposed in three steps: I Great Division, II Swell Division and III Console. Work included new windchests, new pipe work, total solid state relay controls and reconfiguration of the console making it compatible with all upgrades made in the organ chamber. The organ project was completed in June of 2013 and the rebuilt instrument was dedicated during the morning worship service on October 26, 2014.

Our Chancel Choir leads worship from September through June. Our repertoire includes sacred music of many styles and eras. We welcome singers of all voice parts and abilities to join us for the year, for a season, or for a Sunday or two.

The Handbell Choir uses three octaves of Schulmerich bells to ring praise to God. Ringers of all levels are welcome to join us for rehearsals and Sunday morning performances approximately once every two months.

Muriel L. Magg – Music Team Chair (left)

Muriel, Music Team Chair, officially became the Associate Organist at First Church of Christ, Congregational in 2010, and holds an American Guild of Organists Service Playing Certificate. Muriel’s gift of music keeps her singing in the Chancel Choir, ringing handbells and chairing the Music Team. You can read her interesting monthly music articles in the church newsletter, The Congregate Tidings.

 Laurie Turley – Music Director (right)

First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC in North Conway is excited to welcome our new Music Director, Laurie Turley. With a broad musical background, Laurie brings a wealth of talent to our church’s music ministry. Laurie Turley joins the church on September 17, 2026 as our church Pianist/Organist, Choral Director and Handbell Director.

In the words of Muriel Magg, Music Team Chair, “We were so fortunate to find Laurie to continue our musical program, which has been our strength at First Church for decades. We truly have been blessed!”

Laurie, a resident of Bridgton, Maine, earned her music degree from the University of Southern Maine. She taught elementary and middle school music in Portland and Cape Elizabeth before moving to Fryeburg and teaching K–6 music for 25 years in the Conway, NH Public Schools. Laurie also served as church organist, choir director, and accompanist for several years at the Fryeburg New Church, and has since served as a substitute musician for many local churches across Maine and New Hampshire.

In addition to her church ministry, Laurie and her husband, Ken, have taught instrumental lessons and performed together for over 40 years across various styles—ranging from sacred music for services, weddings, and funerals, to jazz, blues, and light rock bands, as well as writing and performing original songs throughout Western Maine and New Hampshire. After several years of performing in the Mountain Top Community Orchestra, this September marks the beginning of Laurie’s fourth year as the orchestra’s conductor; a position dear to her heart.

Please join us Sunday, September 20th, at 10:00AM for worship as we welcome Laurie into our faith community.  Laurie will be leading the Chancel Choir in song along with playing our organ and piano.  It promises to be a glorious Sunday and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of First Church.  For more information, please contact our church office at 603-356-2324.

Click any photo below to enlarge the photo and begin your slideshow of music at First Church of Christ, Congregational.