Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Psalm 95:1
First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina is a congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Our denomination’s Directory for Public Worship provides the general principles for public worship & praise in our congregation.
Rehearsal Schedules
Weekly Choir Rehearsals
Weekly Instrumental Rehearsals
Chancel Choir | Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Cherub Choir (4K & 5K) | Sundays, 6:15 p.m.
Youth Chorus (7th -12th grades) | Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
Children’s Choirs (1st-6th grades) | Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m.
Cherub Choir (4K & 5K) | Sundays, 6:15 p.m.
Youth Chorus (7th -12th grades) | Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
Children’s Choirs (1st-6th grades) | Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m.
Brass Ensemble | Select Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.
String Ensemble | Select Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Worship Ensemble | Select Mondays, 6:15 p.m.
Handbell Choir | Sundays, 4:30 p.m.
Recorder Ensemble | Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
String Ensemble | Select Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Worship Ensemble | Select Mondays, 6:15 p.m.
Handbell Choir | Sundays, 4:30 p.m.
Recorder Ensemble | Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Join the Chancel Choir!
Rehearsals resume Wednesday, August 12, at 6:00 PM in Room MB110 (Ministry Building). If you’re a new singer interested in joining, please sign up for a voice placement slot via the button below for Sunday, August 9 (starting at 4:00 PM).
Fall 2026 Series
Chamber Music Concert
Thursday, October 1, 7:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall
Lunch in Jackson Hall; concert in Sanctuary
First Presbyterian Church’s own Joe Eller, professor of Clarinet at the USC School of Music, will be joined by violinist Brandon Ironside and pianist Kristen Ironside, both faculty members at Bob Jones University, for an evening of chamber music.
Oktober Hymn-Fest
Wednesday, October 14, 5:00 p.m. dinner, 6:00 p.m. singing
Our annual congregational hymn sing continues this year with savory festival food, warm fellowship, and hymns sung by request.
Reformation Worship Service
Sunday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.
Reformation Sunday commemorates the rediscovery of the Gospel and the revival of a Biblical theology of worship! The Chancel Choir and Choir lead us in a special service commemorating the writings and work of the Reformers, featuring brass, organ, choir, and most importantly, you, the congregation.
Thursday, October 1, 7:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall
Lunch in Jackson Hall; concert in Sanctuary
First Presbyterian Church’s own Joe Eller, professor of Clarinet at the USC School of Music, will be joined by violinist Brandon Ironside and pianist Kristen Ironside, both faculty members at Bob Jones University, for an evening of chamber music.
Oktober Hymn-Fest
Wednesday, October 14, 5:00 p.m. dinner, 6:00 p.m. singing
Our annual congregational hymn sing continues this year with savory festival food, warm fellowship, and hymns sung by request.
Reformation Worship Service
Sunday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.
Reformation Sunday commemorates the rediscovery of the Gospel and the revival of a Biblical theology of worship! The Chancel Choir and Choir lead us in a special service commemorating the writings and work of the Reformers, featuring brass, organ, choir, and most importantly, you, the congregation.
First Friday Lunch and Harpsichord Concert
Friday, November 6, 11:45 p.m. lunch, 12:30 p.m. concert in Jackson Hall
Fill your lunch hour with good food and music as Thomas Russell, harpsichord, Julie Anne Russell, violin, and Campbell Cathcart, cello, present a 30-minute concert of solo and chamber harpsichord music, with lunch served beforehand.
Thanksgiving Worship Service
Sunday, November 22, 6:00 p.m.
Worship with us as we give thanks to the Lord for the abundant blessings of His bounty. Choral works and hymn settings by Robert Shaw, Stephen Paulus, Eric Nelson, and Aaron Copland.
Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 20, 6:00 p.m.
The Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Cole, sing beautifully orchestrated choral and congregational settings of well-loved Christmas carols and anthems. Music of the season includes works by Philip Stopford, John Rutter, Taylor Scott Davis, Barlow Bradford, Dan Forrest, and Joan Pinkston.
Friday, November 6, 11:45 p.m. lunch, 12:30 p.m. concert in Jackson Hall
Fill your lunch hour with good food and music as Thomas Russell, harpsichord, Julie Anne Russell, violin, and Campbell Cathcart, cello, present a 30-minute concert of solo and chamber harpsichord music, with lunch served beforehand.
Thanksgiving Worship Service
Sunday, November 22, 6:00 p.m.
Worship with us as we give thanks to the Lord for the abundant blessings of His bounty. Choral works and hymn settings by Robert Shaw, Stephen Paulus, Eric Nelson, and Aaron Copland.
Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 20, 6:00 p.m.
The Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Cole, sing beautifully orchestrated choral and congregational settings of well-loved Christmas carols and anthems. Music of the season includes works by Philip Stopford, John Rutter, Taylor Scott Davis, Barlow Bradford, Dan Forrest, and Joan Pinkston.
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols
Thursday, December 24
Celebrate the birth of our Lord in a candlelight service of congregational carols, anthems, and scripture readings, with music led by the Chancel Choir, brass, strings, and organ.
Thursday, December 24
Celebrate the birth of our Lord in a candlelight service of congregational carols, anthems, and scripture readings, with music led by the Chancel Choir, brass, strings, and organ.
Please view the visually organized overview of our events by clicking the button below.
Choir Registration
Register by clicking one of the buttons below.
Choirs, Ensembles, and Resources
Choirs
Do you want to grow in your faith and knowledge of the Lord through worship? We have a variety of choirs for all ages. Tap the button below to join us!
Instrument Ensembles
We have a variety of instrumental ensembles that assist with worship services. Tap the button below to learn more and get involved!
Schedules
Want to see who will be leading worship throughout the year or review your choir schedule? Tap the button below!
Media
Check out our YouTube and Vimeo Channels for a variety of previous performances!
CDs
Funds raised from the sales of our CDs help support the Africa Reformation Theological Seminary in Uganda. Interested in purchasing a CD? Tap the button below to learn more.
Get Involved
Are you interested in volunteering with the Music Ministry? For more information, please contact Gloria Barrett.
Sunday Worship
Sunday Mornings
Join us for worship and teaching on Sunday mornings at the 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services.
Sunday Evenings
Join us for worship teaching on Sunday evenings at the 6:00 p.m. service.
Upcoming Events
Stay Connected
Would you like to receive Music Ministry emails about upcoming concerts and events? Tap the button below to join our email list.
Music Ministry Staff
Daniel Cole
Music Director
(803) 799-9063, ext. 254
Thomas Russell
Organist, Assistant Music Director
(803) 799-9062, ext. 304
Gloria Barrett
Administrative Assistant
(803) 799-9062, ext. 349