Music
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
That is just what you will find in the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church of Memphis.
This diverse congregation enjoys a wide range of musical styles—including gospel songs, great hymns of the faith, classical anthems and oratorios, praise choruses, exciting anthems by contemporary composers, and spirituals. Music has been used throughout history to worship God.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Psalms, and in the New Testament, there are passages providing specific instruction regarding musical worship of God.
We are to lift our praise to the Lord and to minister on behalf of the Lord to God’s people and the surrounding community each time we gather for worship.
Whatever the music may be—sung by voices or played on instruments—it is a a gift to the Lord, offered with great joy, sincerity, and a commitment to excellence.
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord; bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.
Psalm 96:1-4 NRSV
How to Join the Music Ministry
You are welcome to participate in the church’s Music Ministry.
No tryouts are necessary—only a love for the Lord and ability to sing. When you come, you will be greeted by friendly choir members who will quickly get you settled with music and seated next to someone who will help you through the rehearsal. Be prepared to have a good time working hard together on the many different styles of music we are getting ready to sing for worship or other events, including classical, traditional, and contemporary anthems, hymn arrangements, and spirituals.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6:45-8 p.m. in the Music Suite
Our Church Organ
The Sanctuary Organ is an 83-rank* pipe organ built in 1950 for the new Sanctuary by Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois, and enlarged by the same company in 1985.
The organ is a four manual instrument capable of playing an extreme range of organ literature, and provide dynamic leadership in the accompaniment of congregational singing, choral anthems, instrumental and vocal solos. Containing 5,123 pipes, it is one of the largest organs in the Mid-South.
Restoration was completed on the organ in early 2024.
*A rank is a set of pipes that make the same sound and there are 61 pipes in most ranks.