Worship is paramount at First Church and music is a vital part of each service.

We have many ways of expressing ourselves musically at First Church. Our Mueller pipe organ soars in our vaulted sanctuary. While the organ is our primary means of accompaniment in the sanctuary, wind instruments, brass, strings, tympani, hand chimes, percussion or full orchestra often add to the sound of praise.

Echoes of Handel and Beethoven to Twila Paris and Andre Crouch are heard from our exceptional and vibrant Chancel Choir 11 months of the year. At various times, the children's choir delights and amazes us with their music. Quartets, solos and other special music also lend their voices throughout the year.

From time to time Sunday afternoon concerts are held in our chapel.

Perhaps the foremost church musician in Washington County, G. Richard Zimmerman provides a blend of classical and contemporary music for our worship experience. He has musical degrees from Westminster College (B.M.E.) and the University of Pittsburgh (M.Litt.), and also a Master's Degree in Fine Arts and Spirituality from Duquesne University.

Dick has said, "To help keep worship powerful and meaningful, the music must support spoken word in every way. The choir must inspire, texts and music sung and played must be Christ-oriented and moving. From prelude and introit to the benediction and benedictory, persons on the chancel and in the pews must be motivated to live better lives and have a driving reason to return the following Sunday.

"It is my responsibility to produce the best music that I know how. This has been my training and this is my life's calling. If I can accomplish this at worship, then I can go about my Father's business for the week and trust that all will be well."