100-year-old chapel deploys bizarre way to lure congregants through the door — and it’s working

A San Diego priest is putting a jazz spin on modern worship — blending traditional prayer with improvisation inside a 132-year-old Carlsbad chapel.

Father Doran Stambaugh calls the service “Jazz Evensong” — part prayer, part performance, and “all intention.”

Inside St. Michael’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, scripture and reflection are paired with live jazz as musicians improvise and respond to one another throughout the service.

“I feel like jazz as an art form itself is spiritual,” Father Stambaugh told FOX 5. “And to bring it inside the context of the liturgy in a way, it just sort of embraces and captures what is already inherent in the music.”

For bassist Gunnar Biggs — who has performed for decades with jazz icons including saxophonist Charles McPherson and pianist Mose Allison — performing in the sacred setting of his hometown carries special meaning.

“It’s a peaceful feeling,” Biggs said. “Whatever we do here is for a good reason. It’s with purpose. It’s honest. So, it just makes me feel good.”

Parishioners said the music leaves a lasting impact beyond what they hear during the service.

“It just touches my soul,” longtime parishioner Sandy Anderson said. “Their heart is in their music, and it comes through to everybody. Toes are tapping. They’re nodding their heads and I think that part is special. The comments that people say when they come out are just saying this was beyond what they ever expected.”

Father Stambaugh said his love of music dates back to his younger years in Illinois, where he played guitar in several bands before songwriting and deeper questions about life eventually led him to seminary in Wisconsin.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

The Midwest native created the Jazz Evensong series six years ago during the COVID pandemic, describing it as a gift to his congregation.

“I actually didn’t think too hard about the program. Kind of put it together like chocolate and peanut butter,” Father Stambaugh said. “These guys are like Olympians of their instrument. It is an extraordinary level of musicianship.”

The priest also joked that jazz may be the soundtrack to the afterlife.

“I have it on good authority that the only music that will be playing in heaven is jazz,” Father Stambaugh said. “So, tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your enemies, that they can prepare for eternity every Sunday at St. Michael’s Jazz Evensong.”

Father Stambaugh also hosts a weekly podcast called “Jazz Legends,” where he and the quintet discuss upcoming artists and music featured during the service.

He’s currently planning an annual jazz festival this fall featuring New Orleans brass band music.