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Since the days of
the Old Testament, music has been central to the worship of
God. First Baptist Church is blessed with a wonderful music
program, led by our gifted Cantor, Tom Hamilton. Tom plays
our magnificent pipe organ, directs our choir, and leads all
of God's people in song.
The
music that we sing in worship includes not only traditional
hymns, but also new liturgical music, sung psalmody, chants
from the Taize Community, and music from other cultures and
nations.
 Church
Choir
Leading us in worship throughout the academic year is our
Church Choir of about twelve members, anchored by four outstanding
section leaders from the University of Iowa School of Music.
The Choir is directed by our Cantor, Tom Hamilton. In addition
to music, Choir members also enjoy regular opportunities for
fun and fellowship together. Everyone's voice is welcome in
the Choir.
 Pipe
Organ
Our Church Music program is greatly enriched by the Clara
Hinton Memorial Pipe Organ, built by Temple Organ Company
of St. Joseph, Missouri, and installed in 1994. The organ
features ten ranks and 694 pipes housed in a handsome wooden
casework. The scaling of its pipes is based upon modifications
of scalings laid out by the famous seventeenth-century North
German organ builder, Arp Schnitger. With our marvelous Cantor,
Tom Hamilton, at the organ console, the instrument fills our
Sanctuary with a rich and glorious sound that helps us to
praise God in majesty.
Other
Opportunities for Music
Whether you love to sing or prefer just to listen, First Baptist
Church offers many other opportunities for music outside of
worship. Several times a year, we get together informally
around the piano for old-fashioned Hymn Sings, where we sing
favorite old gospel songs and spirituals. Every December,
we spend an evening Christmas caroling around Iowa City, followed
by cookies and hot cider. We also host periodic concerts and
recitals. In 2004, we collaborated with the School of Music
in hosting the annual Institute for Sacred Music, which brought
to our congregation church historian Martin Marty, hymn-writer
Carl Daw, and organist Craig Phillips. And on the lighter
side, our annual Talent
Show offers everyone in the church an opportunity to showcase
their own musical skills.
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