Worship Information
At First Evangelical Lutheran Church, worship and music form the heart of our spiritual life, bringing together the congregation to celebrate and share God’s word. Our services provide meaningful opportunities for worship, reflection, and community connection, accompanied by a rich tradition of music that uplifts and inspires.
Sunday Morning Worship – 9:30 AM
The Sunday morning Eucharist service is a full Communion liturgy that includes a comprehensive musical component. This service features choir anthems, hymns, solos, and occasional performances by guest artists, creating a vibrant and reverent worship experience. A special Children’s Sermon is also part of this liturgy, making it inclusive for all ages. The service is held in the church nave, located upstairs and accessible by elevator. This complete liturgy lasts about an hour.
Saturday Evening Worship – 5:30 PM
The Saturday evening Eucharist service is a brief spoken liturgy designed for those seeking a shorter worship experience. Lasting about 30 minutes, this service is ideal for individuals who find standing difficult or for those unable to attend Sunday morning worship. Despite its abbreviated format, this service provides a meaningful opportunity for prayer, reflection, and communion. Like the Sunday service, it is held in the church nave, which is accessible by elevator.
Music & Musicians
Music at First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a vital part of our worship, creating a spiritual atmosphere that enhances the liturgy and inspires the congregation. Our music ministry is enriched by the talents and dedication of our choirs and instrumentalists, who contribute their gifts to glorify God.
Temple Choir
The Temple Choir leads the Sunday morning liturgy in song and offers sacred choral music selections to uplift the congregation. This mixed-voice adult choir consists of 15 to 20 choristers who bring their talents to each service. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, beginning in September, with Sunday warm-ups starting at 9:00 AM. The choral season spans from September through the end of May, concluding with a final offering of their musical ministry.
Bell Ensemble
The Bell Ensemble enriches the worship experience during Christmas and Easter liturgies, performing prepared selections using First Lutheran’s beautifully restored four-octave set of handbells. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in the weeks leading up to these festive seasons. No prior musical experience is required, making this ensemble a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wishes to participate in creating joyful music.
Instrumental Ensemble
First Lutheran welcomes instrumentalists from within the congregation to join in accompanying the liturgy. The current ensemble includes saxophone, violins, and trumpet, but all instruments are encouraged and celebrated. Whether you are a seasoned musician or simply eager to share your talent, there is a place for you to contribute to the vibrant musical life of the church.
Through the contributions of the Temple Choir, Bell Ensemble, and Instrumental Ensemble, music at First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a dynamic and inclusive expression of faith, offering something for everyone to enjoy and participate in. We invite you to join us in making a joyful noise unto the Lord!
The Organ, Aeolian-Skinner, Op. 1122 (1947)
The Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a remarkable instrument, recognized for its craftsmanship and historical significance. Installed in May 1950, this organ, designated as Opus 1122, represents the artistry of the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, a leading name in American organ building during the 20th century. The organ features three manuals, 35 stops, 31 ranks, and an impressive total of 1,971 pipes, each contributing to its rich and resonant sound.
The installation of this organ marked a significant enhancement to the church’s musical program, allowing it to serve not only as an accompaniment to worship services but also as a focal point for musical events in the community. Designed to balance tonal clarity and power, the organ captures the ethos of mid-century American organ design, which emphasized versatility and the ability to perform a wide range of repertoire.
In the late 1990s, a fire at the church caused substantial damage to the organ, with the intense heat melting the original Pedal Trombone pipes. This incident threatened the instrument’s functionality and historical integrity. Recognizing its importance, the church took swift action to restore the organ. The damaged Pedal Trombone pipes were replaced by A. R. Schopp’s Sons, Inc., a firm renowned for its expertise in organ restoration and pipe crafting.
To further preserve the organ, a comprehensive restoration was undertaken in 2002 by Emery Brothers, a respected organ restoration firm based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This meticulous restoration process involved cleaning every component, replacing worn leather parts, and ensuring the instrument’s structural and mechanical stability. The restoration not only revitalized the organ but also enhanced its tonal qualities, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Today, the organ remains a vital part of First Evangelical Lutheran Church’s identity. It plays a central role in worship services, accompanying congregational singing, choir performances, and other liturgical music. Beyond worship, the organ is celebrated in concerts and community events, showcasing its versatility and powerful voice. For example, in March 2022, the Altoona Brass Collective performed at the church, with organist Claude Fabinyi demonstrating the instrument’s capacity for both solo and ensemble performance.
The Aeolian-Skinner organ at First Evangelical Lutheran Church is more than an instrument; it is a testament to the church’s commitment to musical excellence and community engagement. Its enduring presence reflects the care and dedication of the congregation, who have ensured that this historic organ continues to inspire and uplift all who hear it.
