The music program at First Parish in Milton strives at every worship service to connect with participants’ hearts and minds in order to foster spirituality and deepen the Unitarian-Universalist values. The Meetinghouse Choir, an outstanding group of volunteers and soloists, sings at most services, presenting a wide selection of music from classical to contemporary, including diverse religious traditions.   The choir meets at 8:45am on Sunday mornings (except during the summer) in the Organ Loft or around the piano to prepare to lead the hymns and learn the musical responses and anthem of the morning. Adults and teens with a love of music are always welcome.  Choir members are truly active participants in the worship services, and learning choir anthems is a good way to reflect on beliefs.

The James Peter Hunsaker Memorial Music Fund enables First Parish to enjoy special artists during our worship services throughout the year, especially at Christmas and Easter.  It also enables FP to have regular Hunsaker soloists who enhance the Meetinghouse Choir.

The congregation sings throughout the year from three hymnals in the pews:  Singing the Living Tradition (SLT) published by the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1993, which includes hymns from our heritage; Singing the Journey supplement, published in 2005, which includes very contemporary harmonies and styles; and at Christmastime we sing the traditional carols from Hymns of the Spirit (published 1937).

The Christmas Eve family services and Easter services provide opportunities for an Intergenerational Choir to sing in special seasonal pageants.  The intergen choir is a great opportunity for children to discover the power of singing in a safe and loving environment and it also allows adults to celebrate the talents of the younger generation.

First Parish music instruments include:

  • a three-manual 43-rank Schlicker pipe organ, installed in the balcony of the Meetinghouse in 1958 and given by Anna Wigglesworth Chase.
  • a seven-foot Mason and Hamlin grand piano, given by the Hunsaker Memorial Music Fund
  • a Kurzweil digital piano, also given by the Hunsaker Memorial Music Fund
  • a three-rank Noack cabinet pipe organ at the front of the Children’s Church given in memory of Elizabeth Ayer in 1967

Tuning and repair for all musical instruments is provided by the Chase Organ fund.

Emma Jean Moulton is our Organist/ Music Director.  Mrs. Moulton, a well-known Milton musician, was Founder and for twenty-five years Director of the Milton Young Musicians’ Festival, formerly Artistic Director of Milton Performing Arts, and director of the Milton 350th Community Choir.  She teaches piano in her home studio and at Milton Academy. Emma Jean received her Bachelor of Music in organ and voice from Millikin University in Illinois and Master of Sacred Music in organ and theology from Boston University.  She is a UUA Credentialed Music Director and is active in the UU Musicians’ Network.

Please contact Organist-Music Director Emma Jean Moulton for further information about the First Parish music program at 617-698-6329 or emmajmoulton@gmail.com.