Choral music has been a part of worship at Christ Church since its earliest days, when a small choir of ladies and gentlemen provided music. In 1873 a boy’s choir was formed, to which men were added a few years later, and by the 1880s the principal chorus of the church had evolved into a men and boy’s choir of over 30 voices. They gained considerable renown locally and throughout the region.
During the 1890s, however, unruly behavior among the boys had become an issue, and Mrs. Emma Dexter of Trinity Church Wall Street was hired both as soloist and choir supervisor. Possibly, the rector and wardens hoped a strong maternal presence among the boys would improve their behavior. It didn’t, unfortunately, and the men and boy’s choir was temporarily suspended.
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| Christ Church Men & Boy's Choir and Clergy on Memorial Day, 1905. |
In 1902 a new organist-choirmaster revived the men and boy’s choir and formed a girl’s choir. Both groups remained until after World War II, when they were replaced by the present adult and junior choirs. Following a long period of inactivity, the children’s choir was reinstated in 2007 under the direction of Mrs. Beth Johanning-Hayes (see below).
Today the adult choir consists of approximately 20 voices covering soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts. Included in the choir are three section leader-soloists. The choir sings weekly at each Sunday service and on special occasions, rehearsing before and after the service. Repertoire covers periods from the Renaissance to the present. Several choir members originally sang in the junior choir, and some of the more recent members are new to the church. Together, their skills and consistent dedication make a notable contribution to the musical life of Christ Church.
Timeline of Organist-Choirmasters at Christ Church:
1849-1868 unknown
1868-1873 Richard Whittemore
1873-1888 Joseph H. Moore
1888-1890 Sheldon Ball
1890-1892 Grant Simonson
1892-1893 William Hopkins/Emma Dexter
1893-1894 Charles Jerome Coleman; Henry Taylor
1894-1902 Oscar Elmore
1902-1925 Jack Mundy
1925-1926 Chris Edgerton (Mundy’s nephew)
1926-1942 Kenneth Winter
1942-1969 Jack Bainbridge
1969-1970 Ronald Cross
1970-1975 Jack Bainbridge
1975-1977 Richard Maren
1977-1979 Jan Meyel/Bernie Barr
1979-1998 Richard Maren
1998-1998 Dan Fannon
1999- Thomas Sarff
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The Treble Choir is an all-volunteer youth choir for children 1st grade through high school age. The treble choir rehearses every Sunday after the 10 am service from 11:30 to 12:00. At the present, the choir participates occasionally in the 10 am service, but our hope for the near future is to have the children's choir participate each Sunday in conjunction with the adult choir, in the rich musical tradition of this church. All kids are welcome to come make a joyful noise!