MUSIC MINISTRY

Offering our gifts in music for the glory of God and the worship of His church.

Our Leadership

Director of Music Ministries:
David German

David German serves as Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church. He brings over 45 years of experience serving the Body of Christ through music in some of the largest Reformed congregations in Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois, and Tennessee.

David comes to our church with a wealth of experience, a welcoming and collaborative spirit, and a deep sense of calling to nurture and strengthen the musical gifts already present within our congregation. He is passionate about encouraging the participation of our current staff, members, and visitors as together we glorify God through music in worship.

Organist:
Pat Graham Crowe

With formal training in hymn and choral accompanying on both organ and piano, choral direction, and the playing of service music, Pat Graham Crowe has served as the organist at First Presbyterian Church since 2022.

In 2017, Mr. Crowe received the Master of Music in Organ Performance (Church Music Emphasis) from the Mercer University Townsend School of Music. While at Mercer, he studied under a full-tuition assistantship and served as a graduate assistant to the departments of organ and music theory.

Pat is a gifted musician whose faithful service and dedication enrich our worship each Sunday, helping to lead the congregation in music that glorifies God.

Music is a vital part of life at First Presbyterian Church Belmont, and we invite you to join us in making a joyful sound! Whether you’re an adult, youth, or child, there’s a place for you to use the musical gifts God has given you and be part of our vibrant worship community.

  • Sanctuary Choir – Adults, rehearses Wednesdays at 7:00 pm and performs during the 11:00 am Sunday worship service

  • Children’s Choir – Kindergarten through 7th grade, rehearses Wednesdays at 4:15 pm; presents special songs and music throughout the year during worship and other programs

  • Handbell Choirs – Youth, Sundays at 5:00 pm | Adults, Wednesdays at 6:15 pm; both perform during worship throughout the year

No matter your experience level, your participation brings beauty, praise, and fellowship to our church family. We’re always excited to welcome new voices and hands!

To get involved, contact our Director of Music Ministries, David German.

Our Music Programs

Our Treasured Instruments

William James Pharr Carillon

The William James Pharr Carillon at First Presbyterian Church is a significant musical landmark in our region. With 48 cast bronze bells, it is the second-largest carillon in North Carolina, surpassed only by the carillon at Duke University. The sound of these bells has become an important part of the worship life and musical heritage of our church.

The carillon was generously donated by Catherine Stowe Pharr in memory of her husband, William James Pharr, a prominent textile executive and former president of Pharr Yarns. The gift was made possible through the William J. Pharr Foundation and the Catherine Stowe Pharr Foundation of McAdenville. The Pharr and Stowe families hold deep roots in the life of First Presbyterian Church. They were among the original founders of the congregation, which was established in 1890, and their legacy of faith and generosity continues to bless the church today.

  • Dedication: The carillon was dedicated on June 10, 1984, with its inaugural recital performed by Frank Della Penna. The carillon bears the f

  • Instrument Type: Traditional manual carillon

  • Number of Bells: 48 cast bronze bells

  • Manufacturer: Cast by Royal Eijsbouts Foundry in Asten, Netherlands

  • Largest Bell: The bourdon bell is pitched at middle C

Today, the Pharr Carillon continues to inspire both our congregation and the wider community. Its bells are heard every Sunday morning, as well as during special worship services and concerts, beautifully played by certified carillonneur Mary McFarland. The instrument carries this dedication:

"To the Glory of God; and to all people within the sound of these bells, to benefit this church, and to minister grace and joy for all mankind."

Through this remarkable carillon, the music of faith resonates across Belmont, inviting all to worship and filling the community with beauty, grace, and joy.

Austin Pipe Organ

Music has long been central to worship at First Presbyterian Church, and our beloved 1927 Austin pipe organ plays an important role in that tradition.

In October 2023, FPC Belmont received a generous donation of pipework and components from the historic 1929 Reuter Opus 367 Pipe Organ from UNC–Chapel Hill. This remarkable gift represents the largest private donation of a historic musical instrument in the state of North Carolina. When originally installed, it was the largest and most significant pipe organ built in North Carolina just prior to the Great Depression and is considered a sister instrument to the 1932 Aeolian organ at Duke University Chapel.

Plans are currently underway to thoughtfully combine the best elements of both instruments in a future rebuild of our organ. The result will be an instrument that more fully supports congregational hymn singing and choral accompaniment, enriching worship and offering music that glorifies God.

This renewed instrument will also serve as a gift to the wider community, supporting concerts, special services, and outreach through sacred music.