Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things – Psalms 98:1
Music at First Baptist Church is part of our foundation. We offer opportunity for all to make a joyful noise through our Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Praise Team, and Children’s Choir. The music ministry is lead by Director of Traditional Worship, Don Verkuijlen and Director of Contemporary Worship Brian Kozak.
First Baptist Church has a rich history of supporting the arts. From community to professional and contemporary to traditional, FBC offers something for everyone. We welcome a wide array of performers throughout the year including singers, dancers, actors, artists, poets, and speakers. FBCGC has an in-house choir, praise team, handbell choir, and children’s choir. Our sanctuary has also served as host to several performance groups such as Apollo’s Fire, the Cleveland Chamber Choir, the Baldwin Wallace Men’s Chorus, and many more!
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir at First Baptist Church is comprised of talented professional soloists, section leaders, and volunteer singers. With a repertoire consisting of classic and traditional worship songs, this group helps lead our Traditional Worship Service. The Chancel Choir also partners with various professional musicians to present special concerts throughout the year. This group rehearses once a week throughout the choral season (Labor Day through Memorial Day) and all are welcome to join no matter experience level.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir at First Baptist Church is a unique addition to our music ministry. Our three octaves of bells add a festive peal to services throughout the year, especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Our Handbell Choir is actively recruiting and is open to all interested adults and youth no matter experience level.
Praise Team
Our Praise Team helps lead our Contemporary Service through modern congregational worship music and special offertory pieces. The Praise Team is always welcoming new members as well as song suggestions.
Children’s Choir
At First Baptist Church we welcome our youngest members (Kindergarten – 5th Grade) to join our Children’s Choir. This choir participates in service throughout the year as well as for special events.
The Happy Ending Lyric Players
First Baptist Church of Great Cleveland has been home to resident non-equity community theatre company, the Happy Ending Lyric Players (H.E.L.P.) for nearly 45 years. HELP has partnered with local musicians and artists including The Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra and put on some amazing shows! Highlights include Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast, The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. HELP is dedicated to giving a supportive home to all performers no matter their experience and they look forward to continuing this mission into the next 45 years.
Visual Arts/Fairmount Hallway
The visual arts also find a home at First Baptist Church. Our Fairmount Hallway features various local artists and special exhibits. Our halls have been adorned with beautiful paintings, quilts, photography, drawing, and sculpture. Once a year, this space along with Spahr Center are taken over by our Children’s Center for their annual art show.
