Music Ministries
Chancel Choir (Youth & Adult)
The most “happening” choral group, singing every week at the 11am worship service, as well as special services. They sing September to June. Everyone is welcome to join the choir. If you are not comfortable with sight-reading, tapes are available to help you learn the music at home. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:00pm in the sanctuary.
Praise Team (Youth & Adult)
The love for worshipping and praising God through contemporary Christian music is what keeps this group ever so vibrant and alive. Song leaders, guitarists, and instrumentalists share their faith as they participate in leading ‘Songs of Praise’ at the 8:30 contemporary service. Come join the Praise Team in glorifying His name! This dynamic group led by Phil Helsel rehearses at 7:45 on Sunday mornings.
Kirk Ringers (Youth & Adult)
All the ringers perform their impressive musicianship as a unified group on handbells. Ringers bring distinctive reverberations to Sunday worships and special services. The ringers participate in the 11 am service. If you are eager to learn more about ringing handbells and chimes, contact Jackson! The Kirk Ringers are looking for new members. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons in the Sanctuary following the 11 am service.
Singers/Instrumentalists (All Ages)
Do not have the time to make a weekly commitment to a group? The department of music ministry at First Presbyterian is always interested in getting everyone who wants to offer their musical talents involved. Solos, duets, and special music presentations by ensembles at Sunday services are always welcome. Please contact the music office for more information.
Church Office: 732-462-0374
Email: FPCmusic@fpcfreehold.org
Interim Director of Music:
Dr. Gaylord French
We welcome Dr. Gaylord W. French as our Interim Director of Music. For 33 years, Dr. French was the Organist and Choir Director at Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair. He has taught at Seton Hall and various other colleges in the area. He was the Director of the Newark Boy’s Choir for 4 years and an organist for many oratorio groups. Dr. Gaylord W. French received his Doctorate of Music from Indiana University and his Bachelors and Masters degrees from The Eastman School of Music.
Contemporary Worship Leader:
Phil Helsel
Phil Helsel leads our Praise Team and provides music for our contemporary Worship Service. Phil is an ordained Presbyterian Pastor, working on a Ph.D at Princeton Theological Seminary. Throughout high school, college, seminary and during his early ministry, Phil worked with church music teams, even writing some of his own songs. Phil’s enthusiasm is a blessing to our music ministry.