"The one who sings prays twice."
~St. Augustine of Hippo

According to an ancient Christian motto, “Praying shapes believing.” As a steward of the Anglican liturgical tradition, St. Mary’s affirms this by worshiping according to the Book of Common Prayer. 

In the Anglican liturgical tradition, which is our heritage at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Daily Offices and Eucharistic services may be said, but are also meant to be sung. To support such prayerful singing, we have invested in a beautiful, three-manual Viscount organ featuring digitally sampled sound. Occasionally, it is joined by other instruments: violin, cello, flute, oboe, recorder, brass, guitar, percussion—even a bagpipe.

Our music director, Dr. Lucinda Mosher (who holds advanced degrees in both music and theology) chooses anthems, solos, and hymns that amplify the themes and imagery of the scripture passages appointed by the lectionary. Our cantor, Thea Burke, assists with music planning, leads congregational singing and chanting, and offers occasional solos.

Support for prayerful singing comes as well from the St. Mary’s Choir. This dedicated and skilled group of singers take responsibility for providing anthems and leading congregational singing of hymns, psalms, and service music. The Choir is on duty for the 10:30 AM Eucharist most Sundays from mid-September through the Day of Pentecost. In addition, the Choir leads the annual service of Advent Lessons & Carols, sings for the Christmas Eve service, assists with Lenten Stations of the Cross, provides Solemn Choral Evensong on Holy Tuesday, and sings for both services on Easter. Most of our choir rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings before the 10:30 service. New singers are always welcome!

At St. Mary’s, not only does music support congregational worship, it facilitates fellowship and outreach as well. The primary vehicle for this is our concert series, Music @ St Mary’s. Recent offerings have included recitals by Jonathan Kuo (violin), Alexei Romanenko (cello), and Peter DeWitt (organ); and concerts by the Gainesville Brass Quintet and RareSong Renaissance Ensemble.

How can you get involved?

You might join the Choir; or you might offer to perform as a vocal or instrumental soloist, or sponsor a concert, or host an after-concert reception.
Reach out to our music director by emailing Lucinda. She will be glad to hear from you!