Music is more at First Congregational Church. It’s a form of worship, a welcome and, under the direction of Choir Director Dirk Eachus, a continuing legacy that connects the congregation to its community.
Eachus and his family were trying to find their spiritual home when FCC came into their life. Thanks to connections from his work with the Mansfield Symphony, he visited FCC and things began to align.
A baritone was needed in the choir, so Eachus joined under the direction of Dr. Richard Wink. Wink led First Congregational Church’s music program for 34 years until his death in 2019. Throughout his three decades, Wink occasionally hosted an “Artist Series.”
Upon discovering this in the archives, Eachus decided it could not only be a beautiful tribute, but also a community builder.
“He was a fantastic and knowledgeable musician with a great sense of humor, which I appreciate. It was an easy transition for me. When you’re in a church setting, with volunteer talent, it’s so important to make it a pleasant experience, while also challenging them enough to come back and want to do more,” Eachus said.
The teaching never stops
Eachus has an extensive technical and emotional resume to qualify him for this sort of position. Most of his career was spent teaching school-aged children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Bluffton College and a master’s degree in choral conducting and music education from Wright State University. Today, he continues shaping young voices at Mount Vernon Nazarene University while directing FCC’s choir and leading the Artist Series.
He describes his teaching style in terms of owning the performance.
“When you get this piece of music in your hands at first, it’s 99% me, 1% you,” Eachus said.
“By the concert, it should be 99% you, 1% me.”
It’s a philosophy he carries into FCC’s choir, helping volunteers find their voices and confidence.
“Through teaching and honing the piece, we create something that’s not just music, but an expression that can minister to people,” Eachus said.
Even in “retirement,” Eachus hasn’t slowed down. Along with his work at FCC, he teaches voice lessons and directs the Una Voce Chamber Choir at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
“Those kids are so talented. The repertoire I’ve chosen is quite challenging, so they’ll have to keep their A game going.”
2025 Artist Series
Eachus is bringing the Artist Series back, utilizing all of the spaces the church has to offer, including the outside lawn facing the Mansfield Art Center.
“I want to do a variety of things. If you do the same thing in the same place, it becomes white noise,” Eachus said.
On Sept. 13, the Stardust Dance Band performed outdoors on the patio.
The Artist Series is one of the ways Eachus believes music can reach beyond Sunday mornings. The 2025-26 season will feature six more concerts spread across the fall, winter and spring.
The 2025-2026 Artist Series — First Congregational Church
Chamber Music Concert – Oct. 5, Reidl Hall, OSU Mansfield
All Those Who Wander – Oct. 11, Blymyer Hall at FCC
A Choral Christmas – Dec. 7, FCC Sanctuary
Organ Recital – Feb. 21, FCC Sanctuary
Una Voce – March 28, FCC Sanctuary
Trinity: Our God of Hope and Help – May 3, FCC Sanctuary
The schedule reflects that variety, from chamber ensembles and folk groups to organ recitals, student choirs and major choral works with orchestra. The spring concert, Trinity, is a five-movement meditation on God’s care for his children, featuring the FCC Chancel Choir with orchestra and soloists.
Looking forward
The Artist Series has become more than just concerts. It’s also an avenue for outreach. Eachus hopes that by opening the church doors for music, people from across Mansfield will feel welcome.
“The hope is that we get people in the doors to see the facility, to enjoy a nice concert, and that hopefully it sticks. Some of them might even want to attend here. Otherwise, it’s a service to ennoble our community,” Eachus said.
That connection is especially important in Mansfield’s vibrant arts scene, which includes the Discovery School and the Mansfield Art Center just down the block.
“Anything that brings culture to our community lifts us up,” Eachus said.
For FCC, the series is also about honoring its history. Wink’s photograph appears on the season’s program, a reminder of the man who shaped the church’s music ministry for decades. Eachus sees the Artist Series as a way to keep that spirit alive.
“He found his greatest professional joy here. This was his home, and he loved bringing people together through music. It’s in his memoriam we are doing this series,” Eachus said.
To find out more about upcoming events at First Congregational Church, visit mansfieldfcc.com/calendar or facebook.com/1stCongregationalMansfield.
Learn more about Dirk Eachus and Richard Wink’s musical careers:
