Emmanuel Church has a remarkable history as one of the birthplaces of American Catholic music. It began with the founding of the music publishing company, J. Fischer and Brother (JF&B), which eventually grew to be one of the largest and most influential music publishers in America. Joseph Fischer was born in the village of Silberhausen near the music and art center of Mühlhausen, Germany. He arrived at New York Harbor with his parents and siblings at seventeen years of age and later taught music for two years in Berlin (now Kitchener), Ontario. He then moved to Dayton to take the position of organist at Emmanuel Church. It was here that he established this music publishing firm with his brother, Ignaz, in 1864. The family business later relocated from Dayton to New York City. JF&B’s music continues in widespread use to this day, including here at Emmanuel.

Today, that heritage is treasured, and our prayerful pursuit of excellence in music in worship continues. As the Church tells us in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium), “The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy…

Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites” (112). This is the mission of our music program here at Emmanuel. If you would like to share in this mission, we have many opportunities for participation: St. Romanos Choir (adults; young people who bring a singing adult with them may join as well) Emmanuel Children’s Choir/Youth Choir (ages 8-18)  Instrumentalists If you would like information on how you or your child can become part of the music ministry at Emmanuel, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Director of Music, Michelle Carner.