Voices of all ages, soaring sounds of the pipe organ, boom of timpani, rich tones of strings, brilliant sounds of brass, crisp ring of handbells and colorful timbres of woodwinds join in worship at First Presbyterian Church. All unite to support the primary music of the church, the song of the people. In the course of the year, our music expresses the full range of human emotion as the Gospel story is unfolded in Bible reading, preaching and music.

Music in our worship is not an end unto itself, but is called to the service of proclamation. The talents of many musicians are offered to the giver of all talents. We pray that this offering may be pleasing to God and helpful to the members of the congregation as we grow in faith.

In addition to the regular services of worship on Sundays at 10:55a.m., regular seasonal services include the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, Maundy Thursday communion, Good Friday and other special services are scheduled from time to time.

Musical offerings are supported by a fine pipe organ in the main worship space, a grand piano, five octaves of handbells and three octaves of melody chimes. A variety of other instruments are also a part of the instrumental equipment of the church.

In the course of the church year, numerous opportunities occur for members to offer their musical gifts in worship, as singers and as instrumentalists. Events also include musicians and other members serving up entertainment from time to time.

The music program at First Presbyterian is under the direction of Robert A. Smith, who has served the church as Director of Music since 1998. A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College and the Yale School of Music, he is a Caldwell County native who has served as music director in diverse denominational settings. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory.