By the Water with the Word
Music plays an important part in the life of St. Matthew’s By-the-Bridge Episcopal Church.
Rooted in the rich tradition of Anglican/ Episcopalian music, the hymns and service music cover the range of repertoire
from early Gregorian psalm formulas, to standard protestant hymns, and include newly composed
selections. Two organists share equally the responsibilities of leading the congregation in these
selections and providing voluntaries at the beginning, offertory, and conclusion of the liturgies. Although
the congregation is too small to provide for a separate choir, it often sings in four part harmony during
the service, and does function as a choir during the presentation of Nine Lessons and Carols, the fourth
Sunday afternoon of advent , which is the church’s musical gift to the wider Iowa Falls community.
In the summer, St. Matthew’s produces and hosts the Iowa Falls Summer Organ Recital Series. Now in its
tenth season, it presents three performers each summer and has included organists not only from the
region, but also from Philadelphia, New York City, and Europe.