Fostering church cultures where both pastors and church musicians flourish requires discerning the perspectives and challenges of the other, Methodist pastor Andy Stoker said during a webinar about pastor-musician working relationships. “Creating a culture whereby a pastor and church musician…
18th century ‘woke’ hymns discovered in Wales
If you ever find yourself at a rugby game in Wales, don’t be surprised when the crowds begin to belt out “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” known as “Bread of Heaven” to the Welsh. Win or lose, you’re sure…
Polyphony plans gathering for church musicians in February
A renewed organization serving musicians in traditional worship settings plans its second post-pandemic gathering next month in Rock Hill, S.C. Polyphony’s conference, titled “The Call: Reclaiming Our Deep Passion,” will be held Feb. 1-3 at Oakland Baptist Church and Grace…
Fisk Jubilee Singers and Jeffery Ames featured at Polyphony conference
The Fisk Jubilee Singers will be a featured choir at the upcoming Polyphony annual conference in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 3-5. Polyphony is a nonprofit ministry that aims to nurture church musicians in their ministry and in their wellbeing, so they…
Hymn stories: Lord, Who Throughout These 40 Days
Many congregations sing Lord, Who Throughout These 40 Days during the season of Lent, unaware of its origin as a children’s hymn. It is one of the few hymns written addressing the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. (see…
Al Travis leaves the organ bench at Broadway Baptist after 41 years with stories to tell
It started in a farm pickup truck. To be precise, on the truck’s dashboard. Al Travis was born on a cotton farm in Batesville, Miss., to James and Mildred Travis in 1940 and rode many times in his dad’s truck,…
Remembering Ralph Carmichael, the father of contemporary church music
It has been an unusual, loss-filled few weeks in the world of church music. One by one we have seen the obituaries of some of the major players come across our desks. A few weeks ago, long-retired professor of music…
Norfolk Street Choir infuses dignity with a dose of music
No one would mistake the Freemason Street Baptist Church Norfolk Street Choir concert for professionals. But that’s hardly the point. With this group, rehearsals are in large part the purpose. Performance is a byproduct.
Photo Gallery: Norfolk Street Choir
View the photo gallery from the Norman Street Choir.