Last December, I joined 500 souls for a walking tour of downtown Columbus churches, presented by our new friends at Columbus Landmarks. Along with the exercise, we enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate and tours of four magnificent churches, each presenting a brief concert highlighting their music programs.
Classical 101 was invited along, and our members joined the many fans of Columbus Landmarks. We all made new friends, heard some terrific music and explored buildings many of us pass each day.
The 2018 Great Hallelujah Holiday Tour of Downtown Churches takes place from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Classical 101 again joins Columbus Landmarks to introduce you to four gorgeous downtown churches, and to share music and fellowship.
At each stop, architectural historians from Columbus Landmarks will give a brief history of the building in context to the surrounding area. This humble writer will be at First Congregational Church and Broad Street United Methodist (first and last stops on the tour) to talk a bit about the music you'll hear during the afternoon.
Did you know First Congregational Church has two organs, in the chancel and the gallery? That's over 8000 pipes! Tour this beautiful building and listen to First Church Minster of Music Kevin Jones at one or running between both organs. (He can do that!)
Did you know Columbus has a Christian Spiritualist Temple? It's housed in one of the oldest church buildings in Columbus. They offer A Course in Miracles and meditation groups, in addition to Sunday services. Your visit to the Spiritualist Temple includes a concert of holiday music by a terrific young harpist, Nathan Hay.
Did you know Trinity Episcopal Church has a magnificent carillon? You’ll be serenaded Dec. 1 as you visit Trinity Church on Capital Square, renowned for the beauty of its building and the efficacy of its outreach.
Then there's Broad Street United Methodist Church. This was new to me last year. If you haven't seen the interior, get ready to be – well, impressed isn't a strong enough word. The beauty of the old wood and the quiet ambiance in a large space were impressive and moving.
Organist Brian Everts and the choir, directed by Gary Everts, will be there to keep us all singing.
Many of our church musicians leave us to report to the Ohio Theatre for the Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops. They could easily be home resting, but they are in their churches, making music as they do each week – the better to introduce all of us to four superb buildings and communities in downtown Columbus.
That we still have these marvelous buildings is thanks to the dedicated congregations and to Columbus Landmarks, continuing to preserve our architectural history.
Come see, walk, listen and eat!
