Martin Luther once referred to music as a "precious gift bestowed on people alone to remind them that they are created to praise and magnify the Lord." In its belief that music is an integral part of worship, Second Presbyterian maintains a long-standing tradition of musical excellence. The church was founded in 1838 by Henry Ward Beecher, the foremost American preacher of the 19th century. At its founding, Rev. Beecher beseeched his musician brother Charles to organize a choir to provide music for Sunday worship and civic occasions. From its inception, then, Second Presbyterian has forged a strong link between excellence in preaching and excellence in music and has perceived its choir as a regional musical organization.

Under the leadership of the Director of Music and Fine Arts, Michelle Louer and Dr. Heather Hinton, Assistant Director of Music and Fine Arts and Organist, the music program of Second Presbyterian is vibrant and active, with ministries for all ages, from three-year-olds through adults. Vocal ensembles include five choirs: The Sanctuary Choir, The Beecher Singers, and a graded Choir School program consisting of three choirs.

Instrumental ensembles include a professional orchestra, a professional brass/percussion ensemble, and a professional jazz trio, Jack Gilfoy’s Classic Jazz Trio, which performs twice-monthly at Second at Six, Second Presbyterian’s casual Sunday evening service.

For more information, please enter the Music and Fine Arts blog