Considering Music in a Changing Church

John Fryer – disguised as Dr. Anonymous – urged doctors not to treat gays and lesbians as "sick."  But there was another man behind that mask: a devoted choir and organ master. In this program, we explore what church music meant to Fryer and how it evolves as society and culture change.  

Rebecca Alpert, professor of religion at Temple University, will discuss with Ain Gordon, HSP's Embedded Artist, how events in Philadelphia have played a pivotal role in history as churches struggle with issues of race, gender and sexuality. Members of the Arch Street United Methodist Church Choir will share musical selections important to Fryer.

Attendees also will be treated to a number of firsts: listening to a newly digitized recording  and viewing never-before-seen documents found in the John Fryer collection, as well as hearing a preview of the play 217 Boxes of Dr. Henry Anonymous.

During the program, The LGBT Religious Archives Network will also present its 2015-16 LGBT Religious History Award.

This program is a part of the An Artist Embedded project leading up to a new dramatic performance running May 5-7 at the Painted Bride Art Center. 

“The (Musical) Spark in My Life” is the fourth program in HSP's Memories and Melodies series. Register the entire series and receive this program for free!