A Distinguished History...

As soon as the parish was founded, it is clear that music was to be a high priority for Grace Church. Already in the 1890's there were significant numbers of men in the Grace Choir, as historic pictures suggest. This special place is evidenced, in that, there are by far more early pictures of the choirs of Grace church than any other component of its early history. The selection of Organist/ Choirmasters in the early history of Grace Church show, by their credentials, that music was a priority. Grace engaged organists who hailed from major Eastern Churches and even England! Many of Grace's early Organist/ Choirmasters were trained by the finest organists of the day. Letters survive from organ "superstars" like Joseph Bonnet, T. Tertius Noble and Marcel Dupré to the organists of this parish. Grace Church is also the first "church job" of the young Leo Sowerby.

Grace Children's Choirs
Grace Children's Choirs consists of three choirs for young voices:

The Cherub Choir is for parishioners between the ages of 18 months and 6 years, accompanied by a parent. This program uses the methods of Orff, Kodaly and Jacques-Dalcroze to teach music literacy. Cherubs sing at worship services several times per year.

The Schola Choir is open to parishioners and community children in grades 2-8. It is a competency-based, Kodaly-oriented choir whose members are taught sight-reading, sight-singing, and solfege. The Schola sings in worship approximately six Sundays per year.

The Madrigals is a high-school-age ensemble of singers who present an annual Boar's Head Feast and sing regularly at Mass at Grace and elsewhere.

The Grace Church Adult Choir
Since 1879, Grace has prized its adult choir, which was originally a choir of men and boys, and is presently a mixed ensemble of men and women who love to contribute to the song of this congregation. The choral program reflects the parish's membership; multi-cultural, with a wide stylistic variety of repertoire. The core is, of course, Anglican of the English Cathedral and collegiate traditions. However, on any given Sunday, you will also hear jazz, a Bach Cantata, spirituals, music from the Sacred Harp tradition, music from the Taize community, or authentic Gospel strains. The adult choir generally sings two anthems, one at the Offertory, and the other during Communion, during the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist on the three Sundays of the month when the Children's Choirs are not singing.

Our Organ
Casavant Organ, 1922 - 8 Divisions, 61 Stops, 76 Ranks, 4,648 Pipes.

Visit our web site for current information on our services, concerts and musical events.

Visit ... graceoakpark.org

Grace Episcopal Church
924 Lake Street
Oak Park, Illinois 60301

Phone: 708-386-8036