North Church of Portsmouth’s music program is a vital part of our community, enhancing our worship services, encouraging spiritual connection, and inviting participation from our congregation.

Our worship is based on congregational singing. Unfamiliar hymns are introduced slowly as congregants become more confident with them. Well-known tunes from the past are regularly brought back into the worship year. The third leg of our worship music is the addition of contemporary Christian music. Guitarists and drummers are often pulled from the congregation for the occasional special event.

During the high holidays of Christmas and Easter we hire local musicians to add a special touch to the services. String, harp, brass, and woodwind instruments have all been featured, along with vocal professionals.

Our community outreach platform includes sing-alongs for the public. The themes are Christmas carols and holiday jingles, and a Halloween night of songs, such as the Monster Mash. In February, we have an afternoon of Silent Movies accompanied by the sounds of a true Theatre Organ.

Choir

Our Choir members help to create a spiritually rich atmosphere that reinforces the theme and messages of the weekly sermon. The group meets briefly at 9:15 a.m. before the 10 a.m. service on Sundays to review the week’s music and practice. Special services usually require additional rehearsal time that is selected as needed.

There are no criteria for joining the Choir other than regular participation, which helps with the planning of the music. Our current membership does not support any youth or children groups, although occasional younger soloists and special performers contribute as the moment inspires.

Volunteers from our congregation are often supplemented with an intern from the University of New Hampshire.

Bell Choir

The bell choir performs short accompaniments in our worship services based on availability. Our players learn “on the job,” as we are able to tailor our music choices to fit the circumstances. No previous experience is necessary and we welcome all who are interested in playing.

Both the Choir and the Bell Choir are unique in that they are able to adapt to different styles and scheduling limitations. The members dedicate considerable time to preparing large pieces that demonstrate skill. Both groups are typically able to show up at the last minute and add small musical moments that fit perfectly into a worship event.

North Church Organ

The North Church organ is approaching 200 years of age, with the original windchest and many pipes still functional! It was built by the famed organ builder George Hutchins, who built the still functioning organ at Symphony Hall in Boston.

The current console is a brand new Allen Organ, up to date with the latest catalog of sounds and interfaces to adapt to any musical situation.