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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

Community submissions


Readers write: Long live our church choirs

Thank you for printing the article by Terry Mattingly (8/23) on the apparent decline of church choirs, as praise bands are seeming to take over. Churches that no longer use choral singing are missing something significant in ministry opportunity. Choral music offers a particular form of worship, an element of beauty, intergenerational connection and a sense of purpose for those who participate. Our own also serves as a small group within the church where members pray together and encourage one another, as we sing anthems and hymns with beautiful and uplifting content.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / The choir performs during a service of lessons and carols at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Dalton, Ga. on Sunday, December 15, 2024.