Submitted by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church recently called Michael Monroe to serve as its next music minister. Michael comes to St. Paul’s having served for a little over three years as the organist at All Saints Episcopal Church in Belmont, MA, where he and his family have also worshipped. For the past eight years, Michael has been on the faculty of the music department at Gordon College, though he recently concluded his work there. He holds degrees in piano performance from the University of Arkansas, University of Maryland, and New England Conservatory.
Michael brings with him solid experience and familiarity with the Episcopal worship and music traditions, a love of teaching music and singing to people of all ages, and strong facility with the organ and piano. In addition to his recent work at All Saints in Belmont, Michael worked for nearly a decade as the music director at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Concord, MA. He especially enjoys the opportunity to make music within a church community.
Jumping into the music minister role at the beginning of the Church year, during the busy-ness of Advent and Christmas, is no easy task, but Michael has handled it with aplomb. Last Sunday the parish celebrated its annual Christmas pageant, which featured many additional hymns and other special music, including guest appearances by Michael’s wife, Karen, on cello, and older daugher, Susanna, on violin. The family trio played pieces by G. F. Handel for the prelude and postlude, and accompanied the choir and congregation on anthems and hymns.
Michael is an accomplished arranger and performer as well. As a holiday treat, enjoy his rendition of “Sleigh Ride” in 7/8 time, arranged by John Eidsvoog.
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