For decades now, people in the United States have become less religious. Reports of emptying places of worship abound across the country, and now, up to a third of Americans report having no religious affiliation at all.
But in Emmanuel Episcopal Church on a Sunday night, every pew is full.
“I’m almost embarrassed to tell people that we’re growing, because so many other places are shrinking.”
That’s the Reverend Katie Bradshaw, the rector at Emmanuel. She’s not quite sure what’s drawing people to her congregation, but she has a few ideas.
“I think it’s the music, it’s the spirit and energy of the place. My philosophy is, the church should be about joy, because life is so full of sadness, so we’re going to get that.”
Music is what’s drawing the Episcopal congregation out this evening, some for a second time today. And it’s not just any music.
This is the inaugural event for the church’s refurbished organ. Reverend Bradshaw:
“The previous priest here, this was his dream for a decade. They raised the money to purchase this organ. Many of the pipes had been in storage for 20 years.”
The event is called Choral Evensong, and the organ accompanies a choir of about 20 people. As darkness falls outside, the choir sings a song of praise as a number of candles are lit.
The organ looks sort of like a massive piano, with three keyboards, foot pedals, and massive pipes stretching to the ceiling. When it’s played, the whole room reverberates.
Emmanuel’s organist and music director Benji Stegner, who played during the event, says the instrument is essential to Episcopal music.
“The churches within that denomination really rely upon the organ as kind of the supporter of worship.”
Claire Gaus, a 94-year old worshipper, says she had a strong reaction to the organ’s swelling music.
“It’s a magnificent instrument. The whole thing brings me to tears.”
For Emmanuel’s flock, the organ’s long awaited home coming holds great meaning. But Reverend Bradshaw says the organ isn’t just for the church’s regulars.
“Our other hope is that it can become a space for the community to use as well. We’re hoping to have a concert series that’s free for the whole community. We want to make it a part of Athens as well.”
As the service ends and the candles are extinguished, the organ remains, hopefully bringing light not just to the people of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, but to all of Athens.
