Music at St. Matthews

Music plays an important part in the life of St. Matthew’s By-the-Bridge Episcopal Church.

Rooted in the rich tradition of Anglican/ Episcopalian music, the hymns and service music cover the range of repertoire

from early Gregorian psalm formulas, to standard protestant hymns, and include newly composed

selections. Two organists share equally the responsibilities of leading the congregation in these

selections and providing voluntaries at the beginning, offertory, and conclusion of the liturgies. Although

the congregation is too small to provide for a separate choir, it often sings in four part harmony during

the service, and does function as a choir during the presentation of Nine Lessons and Carols, the fourth

Sunday afternoon of advent , which is the church’s musical gift to the wider Iowa Falls community.

In the summer, St. Matthew’s produces and hosts the Iowa Falls Summer Organ Recital Series. Now in its

tenth season, it presents three performers each summer and has included organists not only from the

region, but also from Philadelphia, New York City, and Europe.