Music Ministry

Decatur Presbyterian enjoys the legacy of a great tradition in music and the arts that has resulted in an interest in obtaining and maintaining excellent musical instruments.

The pipe organ is frequently referred to as “the king of instruments” and the Decatur Presbyterian Church organs provide a very effective foundation for corporate worship. Both the sanctuary and chapel have magnificent pipe organs that were custom built for the church by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut. The large and impressively voiced sanctuary organ is capable of producing pitches at the lowest and highest frequencies audible to the human ear. The pipes of the sanctuary instrument are positioned in three locations: above the chancel area (visible), in the organ chamber located behind the chancel area (not visible–speaking through the 3 large screened openings) and the antiphonal division located on the back wall of the balcony. It is voiced in a manner that enables the performance of virtually all literature as well as supporting the congregation during worship services. The organ was featured during the American Guild of Organists National Convention in 1992, the last time Atlanta was the host chapter, and has been featured in various recitals.

We are also blessed with a memorial gift of a 2 manual Flemish style harpsichord; Opus 47, built by Tyre & Goudzwaard of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and grand pianos in the sanctuary, chapel and parlor.

In addition, our handbell choirs utilize a 5 octave set of handbells.

• Sanctuary Organ Specifications
• Chapel Organ Specifications

If you are interested in making a gift or memorial to expand any of our instruments or making a financial gift that will enable expansion of programs, please see Mr. McMahan.

For more information, contact Matthew McMahan.

The Chancel Choir is composed of 40 volunteer and professional singers whose chief aim is to offer their very best efforts to facilitate divine worship.

Complementing the sincere efforts of the singers is the high esprit de corps and a comprehensive music library that has accumulated over the 180 year history of DPC. This library is a tremendous resource allowing the texts of the musical offerings to be matched to the scriptural emphasis of each service.

The choir is often complimented for its “purity of sound”—a result of emphasis on equal blending of the written harmonies and avoidance of vibrato.

An important, but often overlooked, aspect of the choir’s role is to facilitate congregational singing. The choir typically stops in the aisles on the first verse of the processional hymn to sing along side the congregation, as well as leading hymns and sung responses from the chancel area.

The choir has been honored to represent the church in ministry beyond its walls through invitations to sing for other churches, professional and community events.

Music Assistant & Choir Librarian

• Mary Lynn Darden

Choir Officers

• Ron Warren, President
• Mimi Thurman, Secretary
• Joe Melhop, Treasurer
• Kathy Morse, Soprano Section Representative
• Mary Ann Allen, Alto Section Representative
• Mark Lester, Tenor Section Representative
• RG Evans, Bass Section Representative

For more information, contact Matthew McMahan.

The objective of the children’s choir program is to instill an appreciation for music and singing, teach responsibility, confidence, independence, and the importance of church involvement, and to usher children into the presence of God.

The children’s choirs provide music for Sunday worship about once a month and for special services (i.e., Easter, Christmas Eve) throughout the year. All are welcome and encouraged to join one of our choirs. You can also register your child online or contact Lori McMahan at lmcmahan@dpchurch.org.

• Cricket Choir –Pre-K and Kindergarten: Wednesday: 5:00- 5:30 p.m.
• Carol Choir — 1st-2nd graders: Wednesdays, 5:30- 6:10 p.m.
• Chapel Choir — 3rd-5th graders: Wednesdays, 5:50- 6:30 p.m.

Location is in the Children’s Choir Room, Lower Level.