Since 2000, Karl Matherne has been the worship leader at St. Mark’s, bringing with him a wealth of experience in church music. Karl received a B.A. in Music from the University of New Orleans, and also a Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance. Karl leads a traditional Wesleyan Hymnbook service with congregational singing and responsive readings and prayers.
Music is an important part of worship and for the past several years, St. Mark’s has been fortunate to feature a variety of accomplished musicians on a rotating basis. One of the musicians featured several times a year is brilliant young Stride-style Jazz pianist, Richard Scott, who plays frequently with the Dukes of Dixieland. Other visiting choirs and individuals have offered a great variety of music styles and traditions. They include: Doss Burroughs, Sam Craft, Paul Cowgill, and Jim Walpole.
Beginning in 2009, St. Mark’s is offering a series of concerts as a memorial to David Wiltshire, son of Noble and Jane Wiltshire. The first was a Jazz Concert held on February 15th at 4:00 p.m. by the World Beat Connection from Minneapolis, MN. For the 100th Anniversary celebration on June 7th Richard Scott joined us again as the guest pianist for worship. In July, Wade Barnes and his Jazz Ensemble from New York were featured in an afternoon concert; and in August, Doss Burroughs presented his original musical, “Parties in Persia” which featured a host of talented amateur vocalists and instrumentalists.
As the only “Open and Affirming” Protestant church in the Historic Districts we try to serve a diverse set of needs for a unique community. Karl remarks, “At this point in time, St. Mark’s does not have the financial resources available to restore its historic organ to its former glory; and we do not have the personnel for a choir. But every Sunday, music plays an important part in our worship experience. Our beautifully acoustic sanctuary amazingly magnifies tones vocally and instrumentally from flute to violin to accordion, to cello, to tuba, to harmonica. If you plan to visit, let us know if you have a musical gift to offer, and we will be glad to feature yours!”
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