God talks to the heart of man through the medium of music, and for that reason, music has long been a part of the Apostolic Faith work. An interesting feature of this musical organization through the years has been that all of the members are volunteers, and all are born-again Christians. They have been chosen to fill a place because of their willingness of heart, consecrated lives, and for their musical talent.

Many of the musicians who participate in the music department of this church felt the call of God early in life, and a number of them who answered that call are still singing or playing their instruments after thirty or forty years. The compelling force that binds these musicians together is their unity of purpose: to give of themselves and their talent to God, through the ministry of music.

History

At the inception of the Apostolic Faith work here in Portland in 1906, the only instrumental music in the converted blacksmith shop that served as a church was provided by a small reed organ. The congregation grew in number and, in the fall of 1908, moved to a larger building at the corner of Front and Burnside. There, a concert grand piano was added to assist the congregational singing. Next came stringed instruments (a mandolin and guitar), and later, brass instruments became part of the growing ensemble.

In 1918, the first Apostolic Faith Church orchestra was pioneered by thirty members, organized and directed by the General Overseer’s son, Rev. Raymond R. Crawford. Within the next few years, the orchestra began to be shaped by the standard symphonic instrumentation, which it has maintained for decades: complete string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections.

From the early 1930s, a choir has been a part of this music ministry, growing from a twelve-voice ensemble at its outset, to the large concert choir it is currently.

In 1950, a four-manual Wicks pipe organ was installed in the tabernacle on the campground, which is across the street from the church. It was moved to its present location in the Portland church when the church building was completed. Every service is graced by its majestic voices.

Minister of Music

The current Minister of Music is James (Jim) Maxwell. As an accomplished professional in the field of music, this dedicated musician received his degree in the field of music from the University of Puget Sound. He started his musical training at six years of age, and first played trombone in an orchestra at the age of eleven. He directed music in our Tacoma and Yakima, Washington churches, and also was youth leader and music director of the Portland young people for fourteen years. He became an ordained minister in 1988, and pastored in Grants Pass, Oregon for three years before coming back to Portland in 1997 to become involved once again in the music department. In January, 2000, he assumed the full responsibility of orchestra and choir director, succeeding Don W. Wolfe in this capacity. Several young directors, who lead the youth orchestras and choirs, assist him in his responsibilities.

Ongoing efforts

Orchestra and choir practices are held weekly throughout the year. In addition to providing musical preludes and special selections during the services, the musicians occasionally present concerts around the local area, and have traveled to other cities for special occasions. Groups of musicians regularly take part in services held in local detainment centers and missions. During the holiday season, larger groups visit rest homes, correctional institutions, and retirement centers to present seasonal programs for the residents of these facilities.

Annual concerts

The annual Apostolic Faith midsummer concert is given in the month of July, during the two-week camp meeting convention. Music lovers in the city of Portland and outlying areas attend these concerts, and thoroughly enjoy the sacred and classical presentations by the symphony orchestra, choirs, and vocal and instrumental performers. A Christmas concert is presented during the holiday season. In addition, occasional youth concerts and informal nights of music are a part of the musical occasions presented each year.

Looking ahead

The young people of the Apostolic Faith Church are encouraged to become actively involved in the musical efforts of this organization at a very early age. Children are encouraged to obtain musical training, with the goal of eventually having a part in God’s service. It has been rewarding, over the years, to see the young musicians develop their skills and then begin to give their talent back to God.

Young musicians and singers are given the opportunity to practice and perform with varying musical groups, including a junior orchestra, youth orchestra, children’s choirs, youth choir, and various musical and instrumental ensembles. As part of these instrumental and vocal groups, as well as individually or in smaller ensembles, they perform in the Young Adult services and monthly Children’s Church. They also are encouraged to take part in annual youth musical recitals.

When the junior members are sufficiently prepared, both musically and spiritually, they are asked to take part in the senior orchestra and choir.