Chancel Choir
Ms. Pam McNeil
Director of Music Ministries
Tryon United Methodist Church Chancel Choir
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.
