GRACE and ST JOHN’S
An Episcopal church in the diocese of Connecticut
2927 Dixwell Avenue (P. O. Box 185065), Hamden, CT 06518
OFFICE@GRACEANDSTPETERS.ORG 203-248-4338
MUSIC AT GRACE & ST PETER’S
We have a varied and inspiring music program at Grace and St Peter’s. We sing a mixture of traditional and more modern hymnody. Most of our congregational singing is led by one of our two talented organists, Laura Richling and Hollie Schrader, playing our beautiful Simmons pipe organ, originally built in 1870 for a Congregational church in Massachusetts.
This fine organ was moved in 1937, to a Methodist church in Cochesset, Massachusetts. In 1977, it was purchased, rebuilt, and installed here at Grace Church (before the merger with St Peter’s).
Here Hollie Schrader plays "Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending," Hymn #57 in the Episcopal Hymnal 1982.
On special occasions, we gather groups of children, youth, or adults into choirs to enrich our worship by singing songs, carols or anthems.
One such occasion was our December 7 Advent Praise service, which featured guitar and vocals. Another is our Christmas pageant, on the last Sunday of Advent at the 10:00 service. In this celebration, the children sing carols, including solo verses, and may also play instruments.
We also are privileged to own full sets of both chimes and handbells. An enthusiastic group of ringers was assembled by Kevin Mack, our minister of music from 2012 to 2019. Judith Kotek, a music teacher and friend of the parish, expects to step in to continue developing this special form of music making at Grace & St Peter’s.
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As well, we have an eclectic praise band, the Ramblers, that leads us in song from time to time, most often original songs composed by a number of gifted songwriters among us, including Reverend Bob, our priest-in-charge. You can see them here performing one of their original songs, “Holy Spirit Moving Like a Mighty Wind” at the Neighborhood Music School’s Summer Rocks! concert in 2018.
"Holy Spirit Moving Like a Mighty Wind"
Dan Kovner/Bob Bergner 2018
Holy Spirit moving like a mighty wind
Holy Spirit moving like a mighty wind
Holy Spirit moving like a mighty wind
Holy Spirit moving like a mighty wind
God came to me the other night
Got my wings, took a flight
Flew overhead looked
At the world in its troubled light
Wild fires because of different skin
Let’s put it out and be the kin
We already know we’re the same within
The scars from sin make it hard to win
But that’s where the glory of the Spirit comes in
Nation to nation there’s always strife
Leaders don’t care for anyone’s life
They struggle for glory, they struggle for gain
And never realize their struggle’s in vain
People everywhere want to live in peace
Though peaceful living can seem out of reach
But hopes and prayers don’t go unheard
The Lord’s own self hears every word
She plans to do more than just listenin’
That’s where the power of the Spirit comes in
Remove the basket
The city’s revealed
Let the piano stretch out
While we start to kneel
Our hearts feel that spark
And are truly healed
Free from chains
Peace through flames
Everyone feels rain
This moment brings zeal
Recently, our children composed a song of their own called “God’s Love Is Great.”
Rev. Bob often leads singing at Dinner for a Dollar, and we have recently begun bringing music to Columbus House dinners as well.
The Ramblers, riding on the back of a truck, were a highlight of our participation in the Hamden Memorial Day Parade in 2018 and 2019.
Please come and add your voice, instrument and creative talent as we make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
