Music at WPC-
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Baptism of Our Lord
​Prelude: "Improvisation on 'Shall We Gather at the River,'" Nik Stackpole
Offertory: "The Grace Divine," Roger Price (b. 1955)
Postlude: "Lobe Den Herren" Johann Gottfried Walther (1684-1748)
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Hymns
Opening Hymn: 492- Baptized in Water BUNESSAN
Kyrie: 574
Gloria Patri: 567
Sequence Hymn: 72- When Jesus Came to Jordan DE EERSTEN ZIJN DE
Communion Hymn: 71- Lord, When You Came to Jordan GENEVAN
Closing Hymn: 70- Christ, When For Us You Were Baptized CAITHNESS
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Next Week's Music at WPC:
Sunday, January 19, 2025- Bob Carlyon, organ, WPC Choir
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About the Prelude
"Shall We Gather at the River?" is a classic 19th-century hymn written by Robert Lowry in 1864, inspired by the imagery of the Book of Revelation. The text reflects a vision of hope and eternal life, portraying a gathering by the "beautiful, beautiful river" that flows by the throne of God. Its themes of unity, peace, and salvation have made it a beloved piece in Christian hymnody, often sung at baptisms, funerals, and other spiritual gatherings. The hymn's simple, poetic language invites reflection on the promise of reunion and the joy of the eternal home, resonating deeply with those seeking comfort and assurance of a better future.
Offertory
Come, let us use the grace divine, and all with one accord,
In a perpetual covenant join ourselves to Christ the Lord;
Give up ourselves, thru Jesus’ power, God’s name to glorify;
And promise, in this sacred hour, for God to live and die.
The covenant we this moment make be ever kept in mind;
We will no more our God forsake, or cast these words behind.
We never will throw off the fear of God who hears our vow;
And if thou art well pleased to hear, come down and meet us now.
Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost let all our hearts receive,
Present with thy celestial host the peaceful answer give;
To each covenant the blood apply which takes our sins away,
And register our names on high and keep us to that day!
About the Postlude
Johann Gottfried Walther's organ composition Lobe den Herren is a masterful setting of the well-known Lutheran hymn, also recognized as "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." This chorale prelude exemplifies Walther's ability to blend technical precision with expressive creativity, capturing the hymn's jubilant and worshipful spirit. Written in a Baroque style, the piece features intricate counterpoint, with the hymn melody prominently displayed, often in the pedal or a leading voice, surrounded by lively, ornamented accompaniment. Walther's use of harmonic color and rhythmic vitality conveys a sense of grandeur and reverence, making this work a significant contribution to the organ repertoire and a testament to his skill as a composer and interpreter of Lutheran chorales.
Westminster Presbyterian Music Director
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Nik Stackpole: Music Director
+1(330) 836-2226 ext. 104
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Nik Stackpole comes to us with a rich background in choral and ensemble music. Previously, he served at The United Methodist Church of Kent, where he directed a choir and handbell choir for five years. There, he had the privilege of taking the choir to Carnegie Hall in New York City to perform in 2024. He also held positions as assistant organist and music librarian at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington, West Virginia. Nik graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Music Education, specializing in choral and string instruction, with a focus on viola and keyboard studies. Nik also performs with the community auditioned ensemble, Stow Heritage Ringers.
