Music Ministries

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)

The Bible has long celebrated the inseparable link between worship and music. Music is a language, and like something embedded in our DNA, songs have a special way of surfacing in times of stress, joy or sorrow. Whether you’re a singer, instrumentalist, or a friendly helper, there is a place for you to participate. We invite you to join us as we create beautiful music together.

Music for all ages

We believe worship and music is an integral part of Christian education, and "Worship 101" is built into every Sunday school curriculum. From a very young age, children hear and practice favorite children's songs of the faith. As they grow, they are given tools and confidence to sing, read the hymnal, navigate the Bible every Sunday.

Music for youth and students

Middle school and high school students are further equipped for a life of worship through the Celebration Singers. This special ensemble leads in select worship services throughout the year, and students are exposed to a variety of musical styles, including choir, hand bells, contemporary worship, and more.

Choirs and ensembles

Every Sunday, the dedicated members Chancel Choir lift their voices to lead the congregation in song. This talented group also performs several times throughout the year in seasonal concerts and holiday worship services. Special ensembles such as the Overtones Bell Choir and Gloria Women's Choir also rehearse regularly and lead in worship at various times throughout the year. Contact us to learn how to get involved.

Contemporary Worship

Contemporary worship services at First Church embody a unique mix of old and new. A mix of popular modern songs and adaptations of familiar hymns both celebrates a rich tradition and encourages the congregation to explore worship in new ways. Every week a talented team leads with guitars, drums, keys, cello, and more. Contact us to learn more about lending your musical and technical talents to our contemporary services.

International Worship

Every Sunday at 11 a.m., a talented group of singers and musicians lead the Tulsa International Fellowship (T.I.F.) in energetic worship and multi-lingual songs. Musicians, singers, tech team, and dedicated helpers are all encouraged to join. Contact us to learn more.

Join us in the music ministries

To learn more about how you can use your musical gifts in worship, contact Gretchen Bashforth, Associate Director of Music Ministries at 918-301-1012.

Tower Bells

A set of 32 bronze bells, cast in France by the Paccard Foundry, came to First Church in October 2007. The largest bell weighs 3,200 pounds and the smallest 45 pounds. Four swinging bells peal every Sunday, during weddings, and on other festive occasions. They ring with a 30-minute musical program across downtown Tulsa each weekday at noon and 5 p.m. and strike on the hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bells were a gift of Doris Maher, in memory of her husband, Mac, and by Pat Wheeler, in memory of her son, Mark.

Organ

The Sanctuary organ was a gift to First Presbyterian Church from two longtime members, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Sharp. It was built by Austin Organs of Hartford, Connecticut, and installed in 1967-1968. The organ includes 6,520 pipes, most of which are located in chambers on either side of the choir loft, and in the rear gallery of the Sanctuary. From 2013-2015, the organ underwent an intensive renovation. Every pipe was carefully removed for cleaning, and the old analogue control system was replaced with a new electronic control system. The main console is movable for concerts, and it was completely updated in the renovation project. A new mini-console was built to allow the entire organ to be controlled from the center of the choir loft.