A Singing Congregation

Fifth Avenue Presbyterian has long been known as a singing church. The congregation’s enthusiastic hymn-singing is often remarked upon by visitors to FAPC, and this solid musical base supports and enhances the work of the FAPC choirs, organists, and other musicians.

As FAPC enters its third century, the music programs are poised for growth and focused on presenting an eclectic array of service music, anthems, and occasional music for the regular and special services of the Church. All ages are welcome to participate in this vital ministry which plays such an important role in the life and worship of FAPC.

FAPC has a rich musical history. At the time the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church was founded, psalm-singing versus hymn-singing was a hotly-debated topic both in the U.S. and in England. The Calvinist tradition discouraged any singing except Biblical Psalms, holding that the only text appropriate for congregational recitation was scripture itself.

A few musicians, including Isaac Watts, had begun to write “hymns,” that is, poetic texts based on Biblical or religious concepts and set to music that was more melodious and “singable” than the traditional Psalms. FAPC made its choice early, opting to sing hymns, often to the disapproval of neighboring Scottish preachers.

As the 19th century progressed, the issue of broader congregational singing surfaced in America. At FAPC, the Rev. Dr. James W. Alexander and music director Lowell Mason supported congregational singing, for both had visited Germany and enjoyed the vital congregational singing tradition there. Many U.S. churches did not encourage congregations to sing, for often they did not sing well. Undeterred, Mason devoted enormous efforts to public school musical instruction, for he knew that this teaching would be crucial to the success of congregational singing. In so doing, he made a significant contribution to the history of American music and music education.

The Choir

The Bicentennial Choir provides musical leadership for both worship services each Sunday morning and for special services of the Church. Preparation takes place at a midweek rehearsal every Wednesday from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm in the Jones Auditorium and at the 8:15 am Sunday gathering rehearsal prior to the early service. The choir is principally drawn from the FAPC worship community and is supplemented by a corps of professional singers. Participation is open through regular attendance at the Wednesday evening rehearsals. For more information, contact Mitchell Crawford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 212.247.0490.

Choir Rehearsals

During the program year (from Homecoming Sunday to Memorial Day), the Choir rehearses each Wednesday in Jones Auditorium from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. There is no audition required, and anyone interested in singing is invited to participate in this dedicated and devoted ministry of and to the church. For more information, contact Mitchell Crawford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 212.247.0490.

The Summer Choir

The Summer Choir sings for the 10:00 am worship services that begin Memorial Day weekend and continue until Homecoming Sunday in September. All are invited to participate – there is no audition; the group is principally servant singers supplemented by the familiar corps of professional singers. Women wear white blouses with dark skirts or pants; men wear white, collared shirts and dark pants. Just come to the Choir Loft any summer Sunday at 8:30 am for the gathering rehearsal. There’s no good reason to hesitate; you’ll be warmly welcomed. For more information, contact Mitchell Crawford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 212.247.0490.

The Children's Choir

The Children's Choir provides an outlet for children to learn to express their love of God through song. Emphasis is placed on good singing habits and learning to read music, as well as learning the many styles of great sacred repertoire.

The Children's Choir rehearses each Sunday at 10:45 am (following 9:30 am Sunday School classes). There are occasional special rehearsals prior to performances. Children in grades 1-5 are invited to become members of the choir. Special performances by the Children's Choir include the annual Christmas Pageant, the Family Christmas Eve Service and Spring Musical.

An important dividend of the choir is the fellowship and joys that members experience from working together to create something special. The members get to know one another outside rehearsals, as the choirs are integrated into FAPC's educational programs. They learn about God in class and come together to sing and live out what they are learning.

Contact: Dr. Eugenia Oi Yan Yau at 212.247.0490 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Children's Choir Rehearsals

The Children’s Choir, for grades 1-5, rehearses each Sunday in the CEC, following the 9:30 am Sunday School classes, from 10:45 am – 11:30 am. The Youth Choir, for grades 6-12, rehearses each Sunday in the CEC, immediately following the 11:15 am worship service, from 12:30 – 1:15 pm. For more information, contact Dr. Eugenia Oi Yan Yau at 212.247.0490 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .