Music is an important part of the worship life of First Parish. Each week from September to June the First Parish Choir sings an offertory piece which matches the theme of the 10:30 am Sunday service. The music is chosen from contemporary and sacred sources and is usually SATB (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). The choir also leads the congregation in the rest of the service music. The singers rehearse before the service from 9:00 am to 10:10 am. If you’re interested in learning more about the choir, please email our Director, Tony Carlin, at music@kingstonuu.org.
First Parish’s Handbell Choir
The earliest record of handbells at First Parish is from March 15, 1976, in the form of a receipt for 16 bells from the Malmark Company in Doylestown, PA. The minister at the time was Rev. Ronald D. Marcy and the Music Director was Sam Babbitt. That said, we don't have any accounts of actual performances or other activity from a Bell Choir from that period! One can only assume, sadly, that their popularity waned and the bells ended up in storage closets.
Then, during the COVID pandemic of 2020, when choral singing was forbidden for fear of spreading the virus, an enterprising choir member discovered the dusty bells and suggested a new Bell Choir! Their fellow choristers eagerly supported the idea and raised funds to buy 10 more bells, creating an ensemble that played before the congregation for the first time at Christmas 2021. Since then the Bells have been a regular feature at our worship services, usually on the last Sunday of the month, but always on Christmas, Easter, and Music Sunday. If you're interested in joining the Bell Choir, please email our Director, Tony Carlin, at music@kingstonuu.org.
