“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.

 Laurie Turley (left)

Laurie Turley joins the church on September 17, 2026 as our new Music Director. Laurie will serve as our church Pianist/Organist, Choral Director and Handbell Director.  She is a highly versatile musician who performs original music and compositions across classical, contemporary, jazz, and gospel genres. In addition to keyboard instruments, Laurie plays guitar, violin, viola, recorder, and currently directs the Mount Washington Valley community orchestra.

We believe Laurie’s vision will bring a vibrant, inclusive, spiritually uplifting energy, along with a heart for worship that will beautifully enrich both our vocal choir and handbell ensembles. 

Muriel L. Magg (right)

Muriel 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.

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