MUSIC MINISTRY

Our Music Ministry

• Deepens the spiritual life of the congregation in the liturgy,
• Celebrates the unique gifts of our congregants in the choirs,
• Equips worshipers for meaningful participation in the liturgy,
• Passes on our community’s values for the future, and
• Champions both relevance and tradition so that we remain vibrant in a changing world.

St. Paul’s by-the-Sea values the role of music in the liturgy and in Christian life. In the resonant acoustics of our sacred space, we offer a sacrifice of praise, lifting our voices as a community of love in Jacksonville Beach and the world.

Choir

Music is at the heart of Episcopal worship. It is one of the primary ways in which we worship, love, and serve Christ as a community.

The choir at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea embodies the rich heritage of the Anglican choral tradition. It is composed of choral scholars, skilled lay clerks, and a welcoming group of volunteer singers from the congregation. The choir leads the congregation in sacred song, offering anthems related to the lectionary readings of the day, musical settings of the day’s psalm, and service music drawn from the Anglican choral repertoire and American sacred music traditions.

The choir’s commitment to musical excellence and spiritual formation enriches our liturgy, inviting all worshipers to enter more deeply into the prayerful and joyful expression of our faith.

The choir rehearses Wednesdays 7:00–8:25 pm, ending with spoken Compline, and Sundays 9:00–9:45 am. Contact Matt to schedule a brief, informal meeting to discuss joining the choir.

our organ

The organ at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea stands as a testament to the rich heritage of American organ craftsmanship. Built by the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, Ohio, this custom instrument was designed to complement the acoustics and liturgical needs of our sacred space.

The organ’s casework is thoughtfully integrated into the church’s architecture, enhancing the visual and aural experience of worship. Its tonal design emphasizes resources to lead congregational singing, accompany choirs, and provide service music as one of the largest all-pipe organs in the Jacksonville area.

Handbell Choir

The St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Handbell Choir is a dedicated group of musicians who contribute to our worship through the art of handbell ringing, offering a unique blend of musical excellence and Christian fellowship. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment.

The choir rehearses Wednesdays 6:00–6:45 pm, and on Sundays that the Handbell Choir
plays in liturgies 8:45–9:15 am. Contact Matt to schedule a brief, informal meeting to discuss joining the Handbell Choir.

Beaches Fine Arts Series

When he arrived from Chicago in 1967 to become the choirmaster and organist at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Beach, BFAS founder Jim Johnson found the beaches had very little in the way of classical music offerings. Jim was determined to change that, and his belief in the power of great music to positively affect all people led to the founding of Beaches Fine Arts Series in 1972, which has always been free to all people.  With the support of the rector at that time, and the underwriting of costs by the church, Jim’s vision became a reality.  Sadly, Jim passed away in 2017.  But his legacy continues with the annual James D. Johnson Memorial Organ Concert.

Since 1972, Beaches Fine Arts Series has offered people of North Florida the chance to enjoy world-class music and dance in an annual season of performances, all for free.

Programming encompasses an eclectic blend of styles from classical to contemporary, jazz to world music and dance, and traditional to avant-garde.

St. Paul’s by the Sea is proud to support Beaches Fine Arts Series by hosting concerts and educational outreach programs in our sanctuary.