Sacred music has always been important in the life of Christ Church. From 1919 to 1976, a Junior Choir, drawing from the entire community, provided music for the Tuesday afternoon Lenten services. During the tenure of its last director, Mary Blane Aydlett, the choir followed the Royal School of Church Music curriculum. Pictures of the junior choir through those years are hanging in the Parish House.
During the 1950’s, the Parish Choir was directed by Miss Ethel Jones, a local piano teacher. The long-time organist was Mrs. Paul (Nell) Little. Mrs. Mary Blane Aydlett became choir director about 1960 and served until her untimely death in 1976. Organists during this period included Irvin (Sonny) Bacchus, Evelyn Steiner, Debbie Kenton Benton, and Rachel Gragson. Following Mrs. Aydlett’s death, the positions of choirmaster and organist were combined. Rachel Gragson held this position from 1977 until 1999. Subsequent organist/choirmasters have been David Spangler (1999-2001), Leonard Ballou (2001-2003), Brian Sapp (2003-2011), Rodney Trueblood (Interim, 2011-2012), J. Kenneth Thompson (2012 - 2018), Douglas Blackwood (2018 - 2021) and Jason Evans (2022-present).
The Parish Choir sings weekly for the 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist, year round. With the exception of June, July and August, weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesdays evenings at 6:00 PM. New singers are always welcome to join us as we “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.”
