Dr. Bill Wade (he/him) joined the staff in May, 2023 as the Minister of Music/Organist. Bill has been serving as a substitue organist since November, 2022. Bill began studying organ at age 10 and became a handbell enthusiast as a teeenager ringing in a church handbell choir. He is also the handbell director at First Presbyterian Church, Kirkwood, MO.
Bill is a member of and past Dean of the St. Louis chapter of the American Guild of Organists, serves on the board of the Handbell Association of Greater Saint Louis, is a member of the Handbell Musicians of America and has served as music director and organist in churches in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. Bill earned the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance at Webster University, holds the AGO Colleague Certificate (CAGO), earned a Master of Public Health degree, and is retired from medical practice as a family practice physician. Bill and his husband live with their rescue Sheltie, "Achilles," and green-winged macaw "Hopkins."
MUSIC at St. Paul
Music is an integral part of the worship life of St. Paul UCC, St. Louis. It raises our spirits to God in worship, assists us in prayer, and moves us to a realm beyond the spoken word. St. Paul UCC, St. Louis is a place where we celebrate the musical gifts and talents of our volunteers and endeavor to offer our very best to God and God’s people each time we gather for worship. We remember not only our rich musical heritage but look to the future with excitement as we seek to grow our ministry of music. Opportunities exist for involvement in our handbell choir and/or our percussion ensemble. You are warmly encouraged and welcome to be a part of our Music Ministry! If you are interested, please contact Dr. Bill Wade, Minister of Music/Organist at organist@stpaulucc.org or call 314-258-2520.
Chancel Ringers
We are fortunate to have 4 octaves of Schulmerich hand bells and 3 octaves of Malmark Handchimes. The handbell choir is open to all people who are interested in learning to ring. No experience is necessary, though the ability to read music is helpful. Our hand bell choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings during the school year from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. We ring on various Sundays during the year and at special occasions as needed. Rehearsal time is spent learning notes, rhythms, and bell techniques. Ringing is great exercise mentally and physically and is a fun way to get involved in our Music Ministry!
Percussion Ensemble
The St. Paul Percussion Ensemble was formed in 2003 and played for 19 years. We are excited to be reconvening this group for all ages and skill levels. This group is designed for those who are interested in making a joyful noise unto God. We have many types of rhythm and percussion instruments including djembes, shekeres, bongos, mcaracas, jingle bells, claves, wood blocks, cymbals, castanets, triangles, bamboo instruments, tambourines, and many, many more. Rehearsals usually occur weekly during the day. We welcome new participants who want to have fun and enjoy the company of other percussion enthusiasts. This is a multigenerational group and is appropriate for most ages.