Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before his presence with singing. (Psalm 100)
Music plays a very important part in the life and witness of our church at Cregagh. Each Sunday we seek to gather in the spirit of the familiar Psalm quoted above.
THE CHOIR
Our congregation has a choral tradition that goes back over 100 years and we are thankful that this continues strong. The choir consists of approximately 30 persons making up the four part harmonies. We have some members who have been in the choir a life time and a number of others who have joined in recent months and years. Our current Organist and Choirmaster, Mr John Dallas, has served our church faithfully since 1977, and has more enthusiasm for it than ever. The church owes a lot to John for his musicianship and leadership of the choir.
At our “traditional” Sunday worship services the congregation is lead in singing by the choir, accompanied by the pipe organ, and the choir sings an anthem.
The Choir has been successful in many cross-channel musical festivals including the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, and has participated in a number of radio and television services. The members also consider it a privilege to be the appointed choir, since 2010, at the Festival of Remembrance in the Waterfront, to lead the hymn singing in the closing Service of Remembrance.
THE PRAISE GROUP
The praise group is made up of an excellent band of instrumental musicians and singers who lead services, usually on a monthly basis at morning worship and also at an evening service once a month. A number of the singers in the praise group also sing in the choir and thus provide a helpful and important bridge between the two styles.
THE JUNIOR CHOIR
In 1961 a children’s choir was set up and continues to periodically contribute to our Sunday worship services and on special occasions.
THE HANDBELL CHOIR
The handbell choir continues to delight us with their music, not least at the special Christmas handbell service. The handbell choir frequently give concerts at the request of other churches and organisations.
The music in Cregagh Presbyterian is motivated by a love of God and He has blessed our endeavours richly. We hope and pray that it is going to continue for a long time to come.
