The worship life of St. John’s parish is a rich one, steeped in the liturgical tradition of the Episcopal Church. Excellence in sacred music offered to the glory of God is one of the hallmarks of our liturgical life. While most of our music making involves hearty participation by the congregation and choir, there are many opportunities for disciplined and prayerful listening: organ or instrumental voluntaries, anthems, occasional choral settings of the music of the Eucharist, as well as services of Evensong and Advent Lessons and Carols, in which choral and instrumental music can be experienced in heightened ways.
Our music is intended to draw people into the deeper realities of God. Whether you are a practicing musician or a dedicated listener, there is an important place for you in the music of St. John’s church.
The choirs of St. John’s span a wide intergenerational range and include everyone from amateur singers to professional musicians. The adult choir includes over 50 regular members, and is joined by the choristers of the St. John's Choir School (ages 8-18) to lead regular Sunday morning worship. St. John’s adult choir and choristers have sung with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and have sung in residence at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and Lichfield Cathedral in England. The Compline Choir, an auditioned chamber ensemble of low voices, meets weekly on Sunday evenings to lead a meditative and monastic service at 7:30 p.m. We invite you to learn more about getting involved in our choir and other music ministries.
More About Choir
Our worship is regularly accompanied by the C.B. Fisk organ, Opus 127 (2005), and occasionally by the Hill and Davison organ (1838), affectionately called the “Jingle Bells” organ. In addition, the St. John’s Tower Bells ring out to call parishioners to worship, toll for funerals, rejoice after weddings, and provide a joyous sound during events and special occasions downtown. Learn more about our organs below. Read about our tower bells on our history page and learn how you can get involved in this ministry here.
Throughout the academic year, St. John’s hosts several special services, including Choral Evensong and Advent Lessons and Carols. Regular concerts are given by the Tallahassee Bach Parley and the Bach Parley String Academy, as well as organ recitals from Florida State College of Music faculty and students.
Church Calendar
