This music was forged in community and created community.
Dr. Stephen Marini
The last Wednesday evening service of summer 2025 took place at Newton Highlands Congregational Church, UCC, on August 27, 2025. Deacon Tann Scott organized the seating and provided sandwiches and salad from Wegmans.
The spirited service was led by Dr. Stephen Marini, who teaches in the Religious Studies department at Wellesley College and directs Norumbega Harmony, a singing group that researches and performs Early American sacred music.
Norumbega Harmony sings a cappella songs in a rather “rough” or unpolished style, at full volume. In his remarks, Dr. Marini explained that the earliest songs originated in the late 17th century in England, and traveled to the American colonies in the 18th century. He noted that as people (whether they are college students like the ones he teaches or older adults) search for meaning, they seek something bigger than themselves.
“This music was forged in community and created community,” he stated.
“There was a building boom of church organs,” he continued, “but some churches couldn’t afford an organ. This style of music became hugely popular in parishes without an organ. That suited Congregationalists.”
He further explained that the first American collection of sacred music was compiled in 1760. The “great poet” Englishman Isaac Watts wrote many hymns, and “later on, most New England towns had their own composer,” he stated.
“Some of us have been singing together for 50 years, and we each have our reasons,” he added. “We enjoy this music for its historical interest and for the fact that there’s always more to try and to learn.”
