What are the responsibilities and job description for the Church Organist position at The First Congregational Church of Hudson?
Job Overview
First Congregational Church of Hudson (UCC) seeks an experienced and collaborative Organist to join our vibrant and growing Music Ministries program. Music and our organ play a central role in our worship life, and we are committed to artistic excellence, theological depth, and meaningful congregational participation.
The Organist serves as principal organist and collaborative pianist for weekly worship, ensembles, and special services throughout the liturgical year. Qualified candidates may also express interest in an expanded leadership role as Organist & Associate Director of Music Ministries (up to 30 hours per week).
Duties
Worship Leadership
- Serve year-round as organist and collaborative pianist for two Sunday morning worship services (8:30am & 10:00am)
- Prepare and perform organ literature appropriate to the liturgical calendar
- Confidently and creatively lead congregational hymn singing
- Collaborate with clergy and music staff in worship planning
- Maintain/schedule routine maintenance of the organ
Ensemble Collaboration
- Accompany Wednesday-evening Chancel Choir rehearsals (7:00–8:30pm, late August–May)
- Accompany Women’s and Men’s Ensembles (approx. six three-week rotations during the program year)
- Accompany Memorial Choir and Sanctuary Bells, as needed
- Accompany summer “pop-up” rehearsals (various 2- to 3-week rotations during summer months)
- Rehearse and accompany vocal and instrumental soloists/ensembles as needed for worship and other events
Special Services & Events
- Candlelight Choir rehearsals (two Sunday midday rehearsals in December)
- Christmas Eve (currently 3pm, 5pm, 7pm & 11pm)
- Ash Wednesday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunrise Service
- Additional liturgical and congregational events as scheduled
- Right of first refusal for weddings and memorial services (additional compensation)
Qualifications
- Strong organ performance skills, including service playing and hymn leadership
- Excellent collaborative piano skills
- Experience accompanying choirs and soloists
- Familiarity with mainline Protestant liturgical traditions
- Strong organizational skills and reliability
- Collegial spirit and ability to work efficiently and collaboratively with clergy and music staff
- Preferred: Degree in Organ Performance, Sacred Music, or related field
Our Instrument & Worship Space
First Congregational Church of Hudson houses a distinguished pipe organ that serves as the cornerstone of our worship life. Installed in November 1991, the organ was designed and constructed by Karl Wilhelm, Inc. of Mt. St.-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada (Opus 124). For more information about the Wilhelm organ, including a stoplist, visit: www.hudsonucc.org/music/instruments/
Built during the Civil War and completed in 1865, the sanctuary offers a warm, resonant acoustic that supports choral and organ music with clarity and richness. Our 8:30 a.m. worship service averages 45–65 in attendance, while our 10:00 a.m. service averages approximately 250 worshipers. In addition, hundreds of online and cable television viewers join us each week. The congregation embraces a wide range of musical styles—from Renaissance polyphony and classic hymnody to contemporary choral anthems, spirituals, and other diverse expressions of sacred music—providing a rich and varied musical environment for worship leadership. Seven vocal and instrumental ensembles as well as soloists and small ensembles complement our worship on Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10am, while our 11:25 Band leads worship at our third Sunday service.
Pay: $20,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20,000