Music Ministry

The first page of the United Methodist Hymnal lists John Wesley’s “Rules for Singing”. No. 1 is “Learn these tunes before you learn any others. Afterward you may learn as many as you please.” Singing has always been a strong tradition within the Methodist Church, and Tryon has long followed that tradition. Early church photos show a strong choir presence which has continued through the years. Children’s and Nursery choirs have also been a part of that tradition. The choir has been active not only in serving in the worship service but in community events as well. Those who have served the church as Music Director include Helen Cobb, Beth Page Culbreth, Peter Kutt, Mary Davis, and Joy Gardiner, with Nancy Dunn, Nancy Ezzard, Pat Cowan and Jane Stikeleather serving as valuable step-ins when needed. The current Music Director is Pam McNeil. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

– Psalm 100

Sunday mornings are one of those times that sleeping in or lazing about with that second cup of coffee sounds pretty good- you know what I'm talking about, don't you ? But the little voice that says, "time to get in the shower or you'll be late for church" keeps whispering, so we forego the coffee or the extra snooze and get ourselves moving toward the door.

And it never fails - I walk into my Father's house and their is my family, always with a smile and ready to greet me. We share stories of the week, the good or bad news of our families, a good joke, what's coming up for us in the week to come. We share with smiles, laughter, caring and love for one another. In the choir room we get the (unleaded) coffee going, gather robes, books, music, stories and the right notes (hopefully!) , and settle into a wonderful time of fellowship with each other. And it's always perfect. By now the extra snooze and the coffee on the porch are forgotten. This is the place to be, here with family, and I am glad to be here.

Wanangwa Hartwell is our bell director. She has been playing bells since the year 2000 and teaching since 2010. She has been leading our bell choir since 2017. She also teaches the school children at her church, Tryon Seventh-day Adventist School, just up the road. When not doing bells, she works full time at the Polk County Public Library. She and her husband Ronnie live on a farm with lots of cats, dogs and poultry. Her mom, Lorna Dever, also lives with them. Wanangwa and Lorna manage the Share Thy Bread Food Pantry at their church. In her (limited) free time, Wanangwa enjoys reading, cooking, baking and watching and quoting movies. Our handbell practice is open for you to stop by. We welcome new ringers and enjoy making beautiful music together.