Our Ministry Mission
At Willard-Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, music is an important part of how we worship together.
Congregational singing is at the heart of our worship. Each Sunday, our worship band brings together piano, organ, bass, and keyboard, creating a sound rooted in traditional church music while remaining flexible enough to support gospel, modern hymns and worship songs, and a wide range of repertoire.
Our Sanctuary Choir rehearses weekly and sings in worship one or two times each month, adding another important voice to the musical life of the church. Throughout the year, the choir and worship band may also be joined by flute, strings, vocalists, and other musicians from our congregation and the wider community.
We value music that supports worship rather than simply drawing attention to itself. Our repertoire ranges from historic hymns and gospel songs to newer worship music, with each selection chosen to serve the worship of the congregation. We also bring together musicians of different ages and experience levels and welcome local musicians to share their gifts in the life of the church.
Whether through congregational song, a choir anthem, a familiar hymn, or an instrumental offering, our hope is that music helps us worship more fully while strengthening the relationships that make us a community.
Music in Worship
Music is not limited to a few designated places, but is woven naturally into the whole experience of worship. Congregational singing, choir anthems, solo and ensemble music, piano and organ, and other instrumental offerings appear at different points throughout the service. Some music invites the congregation to sing; some creates space for reflection; some simply helps carry the service from one moment to the next.
Church Musicians
We are immensely grateful for the talent, dedication, and heart that each of our church musicians brings to our worship services.
Mark Hardman — Organist Laureate
Jim Thomas — Vocalist & Bassist
Ginny Dubach — Keyboardist
Tim Smith — Pianist, retired
Steve Foreman — Director of Music & Pianist
All Musicians are Welcome!
Our music ministry welcomes the unique strengths that each musician brings, from beginners to seasoned performers.
Join us as we make joyful music together!
Contact Us: Info@willardpresbyterianchurch.org
The New Organ at Willard-Mt. Zion
In the mid-1980s, organist Frankie Scott spearheaded a fundraising effort to replace the church’s older Baldwin organ. The congregation purchased a new Allen ADC-1140-T organ, which was first used in the former sanctuary. When Willard-Mt. Zion moved into its present sanctuary in 1991, the Allen organ moved with the congregation and continued serving the church for more than three decades.
In April 2024, a severe storm and lightning strike damaged the organ beyond repair. Its pedalboard was saved and is now displayed in the sanctuary, preserving a tangible piece of the church’s musical history and a connection to an instrument that served both the former and present sanctuaries.
The Worship Committee and Session chose to take a different direction with its replacement and selected a new Allen TH-317e theatre organ. Built specifically for the church, the new instrument required a lengthy construction process. It was installed on June 20, 2025, a little over a year after the loss of the previous organ, and began a new chapter in the musical life of the church.
Theatre organs are unusual in church settings and relatively uncommon in southwest Missouri. Publicly accessible examples in our region include the Wurlitzer at College of the Ozarks, with other notable instruments located in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Tulsa. Willard-Mt. Zion’s Allen theatre organ is an unusual addition to the musical landscape of southwest Missouri.
Visit the WMZPC YouTube Channel
We are very excited to live-stream every Sunday @ 10am from our YouTube Channel. We will be uploading more of our wonderful hymn videos, concerts, service highlights and much more. Check us out.