[Image: St. Matthew’s new sound system, courtesy of Phase I proceeds]
St. Matthew’s, Salisbury, installs new audio system with Phase I proceeds
St. Matthew’s, Salisbury, is a small church nestled in the western part of rural Rowan County. Founded in 1887 by the Rev. Francis J. Murdoch, the structure that stands today against a backdrop of trees and expansive lawn is actually the second to bear the St. Matthew’s name. The original wooden building was lost to a fire around 1910, and the current brick church was built with funds provided by Murdoch’s widow, Eliza, and his sister, Margaret, with the request that the new church serve as a memorial to Murdoch and reflect his ministerial mission.
For more than 130 years, the parishioners of St. Matthew’s have done just that, serving their community and welcoming their neighbors. Today’s congregation of about 24 souls includes descendants of the church’s founding families, and they carry their history with pride. As written in a St. Matthew’s history, “Generation after generation have come, participated, given, worked, provided and kept the church alive.”
SOUND FOR THE FUTURE
Teresa Houck and Jack Christie are two of those descendants. Houck, officially a volunteer, serves as the church historian and youth minister. Christie is the senior warden, and when the opportunity to apply for a Phase I mission proceeds disbursement came about, they discussed using it as an opportunity to install a much-needed audio system in the church.
The reason for the need was simple. “I couldn’t hear,” said Christie.
Said with a smile, the reality went deeper. Christie was not alone in finding it hard to hear in church nor was the need for an audio system a first thought. Christie wears hearing aids and sits at the front of the church to hear the service. Voices and music were augmented by microphones and speakers installed by parishioners, yet it didn’t help. “All I [could] hear was background,” he said.
They had an audio installation service come to the church to provide suggestions and an estimate, but the proposed solution and cost proved out of reach for the small congregation.
When the opportunity to apply for Phase I mission proceeds as part of the disbursement offering was announced, Christie suggested requesting funds to implement the plan suggested by the installer. Houck undertook the writing of the request, as she has written grants to procure resources for the church multiple times over the years. When notified last fall that the request was granted, Christie immediately called the installer to come complete the work.
The new audio system simplified what the church had put in place on their own. Replacing the multiple speakers is an upgraded, centrally placed speaker, the sound from which reaches every corner of the room. Three microphones, two placed on the podiums and a hanging microphone over the altar, capture the voices of speakers, preachers and readers, with no switching the microphones on and off required. Even music from the church’s organ is amplified in a way not previously enjoyed, as the installer was able to incorporate the organ into the new sound system.
“It sounds so much better,” said Christie, “I mean, I can hear [now].”
Houck agreed. “It’s clear,” she said. “It’s precise.”
Again, Christie is not alone in enjoying the improved acoustics. At least one couple who stopped coming to services because of their inability to hear what was happening is returning, and the hope is more will follow.
And the positive impact is not just for the older parishioners. “I’m hopeful [that] when some of the children do the readings and things, they can be heard,” said Houck. “I’m looking forward to other opportunities for the children to get used to speaking and taking part in things.”
For, indeed, the congregation of St. Matthew’s is looking forward. Houck and Christie are excited about St. Matthew’s future. Though a small congregation, it is an active one whose children take part in some Sunday services. The surrounding community is one of growth, with homes being built in the vicinity. St. Matthew’s is actively dreaming and planning how to welcome their new neighbors and see St. Matthew’s become a community center. They are exploring new outreach opportunities.
And they know that every person who enters their doors will now be able to hear every voice, word and note.
“I’m excited,” said Houck.
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