Recently I've been spending my time transcribing some music from my church so I can play it on the guitar. I was asked to direct and accompany our little choir about two years ago. Most of the music is written for piano or organ accompaniment and I can't play either, so adjustments are needed. The members of the choir have been incredibly patient with me as I try to learn this task.
As I continue to look for subjects to write blog posts about, it occurred to me that houses of worship are wonderful places to look for various examples of art. The most obvious is the music. It varies from contemporary pop and folk styles to country hymns and even sacred chant that is several centuries old. Most of the musicians are well trained and focused on serving their congregations as best as they can. It is doubtful that they will ever become famous, but in my opinion, most of them should be.
It doesn't end there, of course. New music is being composed for the church regularly, as are new arrangements of old hymns. There are seminars on playing sacred music given during the summer months. This field, while not as vibrant as it once was, is still going very strong.
Music is not the only art, of course. The architecture of the buildings is often a source of wonder and contemplation. Adorned with paintings, sculptures, and various craft projects it not only allows for serenity and prayer, it encourages it.
Pageants and other special events encourage the children to become involved in retelling the stories that are the backbone of the faith. With scripts, costumes, and music the children act out scenes from the scriptures and in doing so they begin or continue to learn the details of their traditions. It is theatre with a very special purpose.
In my church, as in many others, there is a library. Literature written to reinforce theology and to explain certain concepts in greater detail. Other books are there that are primarily written for entertainment, but they are unoffensive. A library is first and foremost a repository of knowledge and these modest libraries do their best to fulfill that function.
To be sure this is art with a narrow purpose. But it is art. And much of it is of the highest quality. As a wedding musician I have had the honor of visiting many other churches and have always been delighted by what I have witnessed.
In a few short weeks I'll be playing music as weddings. Most of them will be outdoors in wonderful gardens. If we are lucky enough it will be a beautiful day. I am always mindful of how gorgeous my working conditions are. But first I will help conclude this busy Holy season. This too is a beautiful garden, but for the soul.