General Conference Music

"Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.

"Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end." ("Hymns," 1985, p. ix).

Never is that more true, I think, than at General Conference time, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings the songs of Zion. Say or think what you will about that organization (and I know it has its fair share of naysayers and detractors), but for me, it is the choir, and its music, that really brings the "Spirit of Conference."

The choir was true-to-form this weekend. What a nice "shout-out" President Hinckley gave to John Longhurst, one of the Tabernacle organists, who is retiring after serving 30 years. How wonderful for Brother Longhurst to accompany the choir as it sang perhaps his most venerable music, "I Believe in Christ," the text for which was written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Newly-called Tabernacle organist, Andrew Unsworth, had his first General Conference accompanying duty Sunday morning.

The most inspiring music came during the Priesthood Session, Saturday evening. The music during that session of conference never fails to uplift or bring the spirit. We are usually treated to great hymn arrangements by the likes of Mack Wilberg, and Ronald Staheli (who gave us last April's beautiful "I Love the Lord"). Last night, the choir of fathers and sons (yes, I know, not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), sang "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymn No. 6, including the less-often sung 5th verse), "Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings" (Hymn No. 14), and "We Ever Pray for Thee" (Hymn No. 23).

The latter hymn was especially touching. Originally written as a trio for girls' voices in celebration of President Wilford Woodruff's 90th birthday, until the 1985 Hymnal was published, it was only offered for women's voices. So, it was particularly poignant to hear all those fathers and sons sing this hymn to our living prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Do you have a favorite General Conference music experience? We would love to hear about it! In a new series, "Let Us Know," we invite you to "let us know" about your experience. Just leave a comment. We hope by periodically sharing arts and music experiences through this blog, we can learn from each other, uplift each other, and strengthen our testimonies.

Geoff

By way of introduction . . . .

Erin Clarke, a member of the Ladera Ranch Ward, was called as the Stake Music Chairperson. Geoff Crisp, a member of the Mission Viejo II Ward, was called as the Cultural Arts Director.

We are happy to serve, and look forward to working with you (especially soon, as we prepare for the Stake Christmas Concert in December). The Mission Viejo California Stake has a great tradition of bringing music and cultural arts events to the members of the stake, and their friends. These events have uplifted, and inspired not only those who attended them, but those who participated in them, as well.

In January 1847, the Camp of Israel was gathered together on the West Bank of the Missouri River, near Council Bluffs, Iowa. At that time, President Brigham Young received a revelation from the Lord concerning the organization of the Camp of Israel, as they prepared to journey to the West. The saints were commanded to "keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God," and covenanted to "walk in all the ordinances of the Lord." Difficult times were ahead, and every member was commanded to prepare.

The Lord said: "And if ye do this with a pure heart, in all faithfulness, ye shall be blessed; you shall be blessed in your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and in your houses, and in your families." They were admonished to cease their contentions one with another, and to let their words edify one another. In short, to be Christians.

We are grateful for those who established the great arts and music traditions of this stake. As traditions are carried forward, and new traditions are established, we hope all will participate together as we heed this wise counsel given to the saints at Winter Quarters: "If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." Doctrine and Covenants 136:28.

Welcome to Arts & Music

Welcome to the Mission Viejo California Stake Arts & Music site. We are excited to bring you the latest information about upcoming activities in the Mission Viejo California Stake, including the annual Fall Concert, the annual Christmas Concert (aka "Sing Noel"), and Roadshows 2008!

Please stay tuned for more information about each of these great activities that are part of the stake's rich heritage.