 Music at the Good Shepherd... Click here to listen to portions of our recent service of Evensong and Benediction
The congregation fills their role admirably by faithfully singing, Sunday after Sunday, the ordinary of the mass and the hymns and responses that are part of our corporate offerings to God. We have a fine singing congregation. This church is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music. This means the clergy, choir, and congregation endeavor to maintain a high standard in the sung and spoken parts of the church services. All who worship in this church are invited to play their part in making the music worthy of its high purpose. Each year, the church sponsors an organ recital on the Saturday of Summerfest. Recent featured artists have been Mr. Joby Bell and Timothy Quay Smith.
The organ was originally built for a Baptist Church in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, by noted 19th Century American organ builder, George Stevens. The organ was moved in 1959 to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Wapping, Connecticut. The organ remained there until being acquired for The Church of the Good Shepherd, York. This is the third pipe organ to serve in this church: the first, a 4 rank Hinners, the façade of which is still in use and which pipes still play; the second, a 4 rank Wicks installed in the 1970's. The organ has fourteen stops, or ranks (sets) of pipes playable from two keyboards and pedals. The natural keys on the manual are covered with bone, the sharps are of ebony. The pedal natural keys are maple, the sharps walnut. The action, with the exception of the oboe/bassoon stop is all mechanical, the stop action is mechanical as well. The couplers are controlled by hitch down.
Thou hast given so much to me, Give one thing more, - a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days, But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise. |
Music has been an integral part of the worship life of this parish for over 153 years. Mr. Steven Aycock has served as Organist & Choirmaster at the Good Shepherd for over eighteen years.
The choir sings for the main Sunday service and for Holy Days and special occasions. Those who sing in the choir contribute over 225 hours each a year in rehearsals and services to support and enrich the liturgical life of this parish and to make offerings of music to God on behalf of us all. All of them deserve our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. 
