Organist/Choir Director (Part-Time)

by William Yates

The St. James United Methodist Church, with a membership of 450 and located in historic uptown Kingston, NY, is seeking a qualified Organist/Choir Director.

The position to be filled requires 10-15 hours/week during the school year and 5-10 hours/week during the non-school calendar. One Sunday morning service at 11:00 AM, preceded by choir rehearsal at 10:00 AM. Also choir rehearsal on Thursday at 7:30 PM.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Musical leadership for traditional and other special church services (organ and adult choir).
- Maintenance of extensive musical library
- Working collaboratively with other internal and external church and community musical leadership to help fulfill the church mission.
- Ensuring proper maintenance of the church organ.
The organ in this 100+ year old sanctuary is voiced in baroque style and consists of four full voices; Swell, Positif, Great and Echo. A new Moeller console was installed in 1967. The organ is meticulously maintained by the Chase Organ Co. of Worcester, NY.

A demonstrated proficiency in performing sacred organ music and directing an adult choral group is required. This individual must be available for all worship services and major holiday/special events. Weddings and funerals: extra compensation.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to include references and your salary requirements based on the work schedule described to: Organist/Choir Director Search Committee, St. James UMC, 29 Pearl Street, Kingston, NY 12401. Resumes may also be e-mailed to the search committee at rev.davidmjolly@hotmail.com.