First Presbyterian Church Athens, Ohio

The Arts at First Presbyterian Church

Our Worship services are enhanced through a variety of performance arts. Throughout the year, we enjoy dramatic readings, dance, musical soloists, and the OhioBrass (resident Ohio University faculty brass quintet). Annual guest organ recitalists (many being winners of the National American Guild of Organist's Competition) have been presented since 1985. Our church organist, Janice Robison, presents after-church recitals four times a year.

Athens First Presbyterian Church Bell Choir

The African Drum group from Ohio University, playing during a worship service at First Presbyterian Church.

The Chancel Choir sings for all Sunday morning services, from September to early June, and for special services (e.g. Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve). Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. Persons interested in joining the choir should contact Choir Director David Tadlock at dmtstudio@aol.com or call the church office at (740) 593 3351.

A summer music theater group was formed in 2003 by Choir Director David Tadlock with support of First Presbyterian Church. The Genesis Theater Project has presented many colorful musicals including Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Children of Eden, Pippin, and Little Women. Young people throughout the Athens area audition for, and perform in, these outstanding productions.

The Bell Choir is being reorganized under the director of Kirsten Trachsel. The ability to read music is helpful, but not a requirement. Persons interested in joining should contact Kirsten at ktrachsel@msn.com or call the church office at (740) 593-3351.

The Liturgical Arts group meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. and focuses on the design and construction of visual arts. The primary projects of the group over the past several years have been the construction of flags which hang outside the church on Sundays and other church days that announce the events taking place within the church, including communion, baptism, and weddings as well as the liturgical seasons of the church year.

Most recently our efforts have been on designing and crafting a quilt in honor of the 2009 bicentennial of the church, which hangs above the entry to Fellowship Hall and a flag featuring the logo of the Presbyterian Church Women.

Plans for future projects are already formulating. Any individuals wishing to join the group are welcome. All budding artists, stitchers, handiworkers, craftspersons, dreamers and even critics are welcome to the two-hour sessions for work and fellowship. For further information contact Mary Kaye Jordan (jordan@ohio.edu).

2 South Court St. (church)
9 North College (office)
Athens, OH 45701

(740) 593 3351
office@athensfpc.org
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