Music Ministries
At our Church, music is an important part of worship and community. We have an historic and beautiful pipe organ, a talented choir, and talented instrumentalists. Everyone is welcome to participate to make all voices heard. Music is a gentle reminder that we are all united in spirit and song while praising God. We invite you to join us and experience the joy of music in our church.
Bruce Gingrich
Director of Music & Organist
Bruce R. Gingrich has been the Music Director and Organist since 2001. He holds degrees in organ performance, church music and business.
Bruce produced a monthly concert series entitled “Thursday Noon Together” that ran for 15 years on the first Thursday of each month. He was organist and conference choir director for the Western PA conference of the United Methodist Church from 1996 to 2009. Bruce played as a guest organ soloist with the former Erie Chamber Orchestra in 2006 (Poulenc Organ Concerto) and 2009 (G. F. Handel Organ Concerto in Bb). In 2004 Bruce traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil to present a masterclass in the downtown Methodist Church and a recital in the oldest church in South America (Patio do Colegio).
Over the past 22 years Bruce has directed many Vocal Choirs, Bell Choirs, and Children’s Choirs at First United Methodist.
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Email Bruce Gingrich - brgingrich4852@gmail.com
Our Ensembles
Vocal Ensembles
Chancel Choir
A small ensemble of beautiful and talented voices provide a music ministry Sundays at our 10:30 am traditional worship service. Please watch for other special occasions when our Chancel Choir joins together to support our worship of God.
The vocal ensemble rehearses Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 am.
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Anyone seeking to sing with us, please contact Bruce or send us a message to set up a meeting to get started. Reading music is not a requirement.
Instrumental Ensembles
Instrumental Ensembles
We also provide opportunities for instrumental soloists and ensembles to enhance our worship services. We have a small clarinet group, a steel drum band, and more!
If you play an instrument and would like to join us, contact Bruce or send us a message for further details.
The Lawrence Phelps Pipe Organ
Our church is blessed to have this magnificent pipe organ.
It is a tracker organ consisting of three manuals and pedalboard and boasts 59 ranks of pipes. The Phelps Organ was built in 1975 by a Canadian firm that relocated to the old Tellers Organ factory at 24th and Holland Street. The church invested $150,000.00 in 1998 for additions that included a 16ft pedal principal, a solid state combination action and new Harris drawknobs.
The organ is played each Sunday during our traditional service in the sanctuary and has been played in numerous recitals by Bruce and others over the years.
