This fall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ivy is expanding its music ministry with biweekly choral evensongs. The services will be led by the newly formed Schola Cantorum, an octet of professional singers, with the Parish Choir singing on fifth Sundays.
The series follows the church’s first post-pandemic evensong in December 2024, which drew a crowd of 120 attendees. “We thought maybe 30 or 40 people would come,” said Gabe Simerson, Director of Music Ministries. “Instead, we saw a packed sanctuary, with visitors from other parishes and even those outside the church world who found us online.”
Evensong, a traditional Anglican liturgy rooted in the Daily Office, is a contemplative evening service composed of scripture, psalms, and canticles. It’s a non-sacramental service known for its meditative atmosphere and musical richness.
Leaders hope the service will serve as a spiritual sanctuary in divisive times, offering beauty, peace, and welcome. “We believe this can be a gift not just to our parish but to the wider community, as well,” Simerson said. “Evensong is a place where people can encounter the Divine—whether through scripture, silence, or the sheer glory of music.”
All are invited to attend the services, which begin at 5:30 pm and will be followed by fellowship.