Background
The United Methodist Church has been a singing
church since its founding in the eighteenth century. John and Charles
Wesley, the brothers who established the Methodist movement in England
and Georgia, were also musicians who were held in the highest esteem during
their lifetimes for their excellence in musical composition. Charles
alone wrote several thousand hymns. Many of these are still very
popular today. Methodism was and is still a denomination that sings
its faith in God, His salvation of humankind and His ongoing mission in
this world.
Saint Mark Church believes in that importance
of over two hundred years of Methodist song. Since the first congregation
met at the corner of Washington and Woodbine Roads in 1949, the church's
membership has uplifted its voice in singing praise.
Our church has been served by many competent
volunteers and part-time professional musicians over the years. From
1980 until 1999 our first "full-time" organist - choirmaster, Dr. Keith
F. Taylor, was employed to develop a complete and comprehensive program
of music ministry. This ministry has become the church's largest
and certainly one of the area's most acclaimed music departments.
Participants in the program now await the hiring of a new director to carry
on this great work. |
The Choral Program
The music ministry is both an educational
program and also a program of evangelistic witness. The ministry
encompasses all ages from four years of age and older. During the
school year there are choirs for preschoolers through high school youth.
Throughout the year, the ministry has vocal programs for adults and senior
adults. |
The Handbell Program
St. Mark is fortunate to have two sets of
handbells to provide a complete program for a bell ringing ministry.
In 1980, a four-octave set of Petit and Fritzen (a Dutch company) was acquired
to begin the program. In 1986, a three-octave set of Schulmerich
(an American company) was purchased to expand the program. Our bell
ringers regularly perform during worship services, other community gatherings
and at regional and national bell festivals. |
The Saint Mark Organ
Housed in the sanctuary is a 32-rank Pels-Moller
pipe organ containing over 2,000 pipes. It was installed during the
summer of 1990 through many generous gifts by members and friends of the
music ministry. Since its arrival, the church has been able to expand
its ability to offer more in the way of community concert programs. |
The Melcolm Memorial Carillon
Housed in the church steeple is a twenty-five
English bell carillon which is playable from the organ console or by it's
own electronic pre-programming system. The bells peal daily at noon
and six in the evening; and during special occasions such as weddings and
funerals. |
The Augusta State University Music Scholarships
The church gives four full scholarships each
year to deserving students majoring in vocal performance or music education.
Contact either the Fine Arts Department of Augusta State or the St. Mark
Church for more information and audition dates. |
Music
Ministry
