For decades, I have been looking for a church where I could attend Sunday services and be inspired to be good and to do good during the ensuing week. Last year, I discovered one in Port Jervis, NY. The Drew United Methodist Church, at the corner of Sussex and West Broome streets, is where I have chosen to worship.
The church’s facade is unique and unpretentious, but the inside is striking. The layout is familiar, but the wall at the back of the altar is fascinating. The wall rises high and reveals the multitude of pipes of a formidable organ system with the console to the right and a baby grand piano adjacent. The light flows through beautiful stained-glass windows on either side, providing a proper reverential setting, and it floods through an overhead front-to-back strip of skylights. The light beaming from aloft reminds those below that the Word, like the light, comes from above. Rows of comfortable upholstered bench seats are situated on either side of the aisle.
The members are receptive, very friendly, and eager to offer acceptance to a newcomer like myself. They all seem happy to be experiencing the once-a-week religious experience and participate enthusiastically in the service. I believe they look forward all week to Sunday morning at Drew, as do I.
Pastor Lee is also a newcomer. He is an experienced and devout preacher who is more formal than his predecessor. He is gifted and impactful in delivering a thought-provoking homily, always mixed adroitly with humor and warm smiles. Pastor Lee and his wife are a team. She is an avid supporter of Pastor Lee’s mission and also an accomplished soprano who most recently demonstrated her musical ability by singing beautifully before the usual Sunday service convened.
Music is a large part of Sunday services. Behind the communion rail to the left is a line of chairs that seat an ensemble of talented church members who occasionally grace the worshipers with a hymnal-based concert featuring woodwinds. On cue, the members stand together and sing traditional hymns, full-throated and unabashedly, accompanied by the playing of the singular instrumentalist, Frank Schwarz, who guides them through the verses.
Frank Schwarz’s organ and piano playing brings the Sunday experience together. Mr. Schwarz is a music virtuoso who has been conservatory-trained. Although gracious and humble, Frank plays boldly, confident in his ability to produce flawless musical tempo and mellifluous sounds. His style is professional grade. It seems to me that excellence in performing is his abiding imperative.
Those who seek inspiration from great music and a timely, well-crafted, and masterfully delivered sermon should stop by the Drew United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. each Sunday. There is ample seating for visitors.
Robert H. Meyer
Milford