First Congregational Church North Adams

Music Ministry

Music has long been an important part of worship and community life at the First Congregational Church of North Adams. Through weekly services, special programs, and community concerts, the music ministry seeks to inspire, comfort, and bring people together through song. Each Sunday, the choir leads congregational hymn singing and presents an anthem during worship. Worship services are also livestreamed through Facebook and Zoom, allowing members and friends to participate from home. Choir rehearsal is held on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. The choir currently includes eight members and is accompanied by piano or organ.

The church is home to a pipe organ and a Yamaha C3 grand piano. Instrumental music is offered throughout the service, including preludes, offertories, and postludes. From time to time, local musicians are invited to join in worship. The church also plans to welcome students in order to grow and strengthen the music ministry.

A central part of the music ministry is the North County Chorale, a community choir made up of singers from across Northern Berkshire County and from many faith backgrounds. No auditions are required. Participation is open to anyone with a willingness to rehearse and share music. The Chorale performs a wide range of music, including sacred and secular works, gospel, and classical selections.

The Chorale typically includes about 30 regular singers. Soloists and small ensembles are chosen from within the group for certain worship services and concerts.

In the past, the music ministry presented three major community concerts annually:

Spring Concert, featuring gospel or sacred music
Hope and Healing Concert in the fall, offering reflective and inspirational music
North County Christmas Concert, with the All Saints Handbell Choir, traditional readings, carols, and candle lighting

These concerts are supported by grants from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, along with gifts from local businesses and private donors. A free will offering is collected at each concert to support local nonprofit organizations.

Recent beneficiaries include:

Berkshire Food Project
ROOTS Teen Center
Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry
Berkshire Immigrant Center
Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
Office of Veterans Affairs of Northern Berkshire
Friends of the Council on Aging in North Adams

Many concerts have been recorded by local television and broadcast on North Adams cable channels. Volunteer-made CD recordings have also helped share this music beyond the church walls.