St. Paul's Episcopal Church to Host "Powerful" Free Lenten Concert

Concert plus reception: St. Paul’s invites the community to connect.

Feb 16, 2026 1:37 PM Feb 16, 2026 2:01 PM

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ALTON - Community members have the chance to experience a powerful musical performance to start the Lenten season at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

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At 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, St. Paul’s will host a performance of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater,” a musical rendition of the Passion of Christ through Mary’s eyes. The performance by Baroque Orchestra from Early Music Missouri promises to be an emotional reflection on the Lenten season.

“Lent is a time for reflection and prayer, so to have this musical performance that looks into the eyes of Mary, the Mother of Christ, and to really contemplate that death of Christ — it’s just very moving, very powerful,” explained Fr. Garron Daniels. “I want it to be an opportunity to reflect upon the crucifixion and reflect upon Lent. Lent is all about building up to that time and preparing ourselves for the great celebration of Easter, the resurrection of Christ. But with that also comes, first and foremost, his death and crucifixion. So here’s a new way to engage with the practices of Lent through music, through singing, through the playing of music.”

The concert is completely free to attend. There will be a free-will offering, and that money will go toward the musicians, including soprano Ashley Fabian and countertenor Keith Wehmeier. Dr. Connor Scott will direct from the harpsichord.

There will be a reception with refreshments following the concert. Sandy Gottlob, one of the organizers, is excited to engage with the community and invites everyone to stop by the church to experience the concert.

“Having this type of event not only brings the community but the church together,” Gottlob said. “Father Garron is a very energetic priest. He really believes in communicating with the community. He has come up with so many new ideas of bringing the community into the church through different programs. This is the latest and greatest one, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

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The concert will help kick off celebrations commemorating St. Paul’s 190th year in Alton. Gottlob and Fr. Daniels encourage community members to engage with the church throughout the year, including their big celebration planned for July 4th weekend.

Fr. Daniels noted that they are also starting a capital campaign to pay for repairs to the building. He recognizes that the church is a pillar in the community and should be a home for people to worship and connect.

“A lot of this year is building upon what has happened in the past and what’s going to happen in the future,” he said. “This is a great opportunity, at 190 years, to have a big celebration. And part of that celebration looks at all the different aspects that make up the church and how we lift that up and see how wonderful it is to have that as part of our community.”

Gottlob and Fr. Daniels hope the concert is a chance for people to engage with the church and their faith. They noted that the Passion of Christ through His mother’s eyes will be “beautiful” as “a way to reflect and contemplate our faith in the midst of the Lenten time.” Additionally, the 190th anniversary promises to be an exciting one for the church.

For more information about the upcoming concert and the 190th anniversary celebrations, visit the official St. Paul’s website or Facebook page.

“I’m so excited about the passion and the energy and the love that is being shown within the walls of the church, but outside the walls as well and how much this community really wants to show the rest of the community how we're there, and not just for our members, but for everyone,” Fr. Daniels added. “It’s been a blessing to be the priest at this church. This concert and all the other events to come are just on top of it all, more blessings, more joy, more everything. It's already coming out to be an exciting year.”