Worship and Music

Liturgy: Our Work, Our Praise

All Saints' is first and foremost a worshiping community, and we gather together regularly to give praise and thanks to God. The word "liturgy" means "public service" or "work of the people," which means that both the clergy and lay members of the congregation use their gifts in order to create liturgy that is traditional and dignified without being boring, stuffy or joyless.

Our spiritual life as a community is focused on the Holy Eucharist, and we use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer to direct us in our worship. At All Saints' we believe that whenever we gather together at God's Table we are nourished and empowered to live with confidence and inspiration that will encourage us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in everything we do. All are welcome to join us!

Music

All Saints' has a reputation for fine liturgical music and has been well-served by a succession of talented musicians. The All Saints' choir, under the direction of Lois Kaarre, works hard to help lead worship through song. The choir sings from September until the middle of June and is always on the lookout for new voices.

Our hymn choices match the style of our liturgy in that they tend to be somewhat traditional, but within the Episcopal tradition there is a wide range of styles ranging from ancient chants to Negro spirituals, and both the clergy and Director of Music are careful and intentional about choosing music that reflects our diversity as Anglican Christians.

Our Organ

We are also very fortunate to be able to share our music through the use of an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. This fine instrument is an enduring symbol of the kindness and generosity of those who came before us.

All Saints’ Aeolian-Skinner organ was installed in 1958 and dedicated on January 25, 1959. Phillip Steinhaus, organ design consultant and for some years on the staff of Aeolian-Skinner, was our organist-choirmaster at the time of installation. The January 1956 issue of The Diapason says that the “stoplist was drawn up in the summer of 1955 in London, England, by the late G. Donald Harrison and Mr. Steinhaus.”

The organ consists of three manuals and pedal comprising 26 voices consisting of 41 ranks of pipes, all housed in a chamber of the Apse of the church. The wind chests of the organ are of electro-pneumatic design, both “pitman” and “unit.” The metal pipe work is of high quality tin and led alloys. The wooden pipework is of clear pine, all of Aeolian-Skinner manufacture. The organ is fitted with a blower manufactured by the Spencer Turbine Company, situated in the basement.