A Psalm for the Appreciation for Music

         Thank you for music Lord:

               Handel’s Messiah:

                       He shall feed his flock like a shepherd

                       shall gather the lambs in his arm

                              and carry them in his bosom.

               Students singing:

                       Who is on the Lord’s side

                              who will serve the King?

               Mother holding little boy:

                       rocking,

                              humming

                                      All through the night

                                             my Savior will be watching

                                      and Like a river glorious

                                             is God’s perfect peace.

               Little group of people:

                       before an open grave singing:

                              Jesus I love thee

                              and up from the grave he arose.

                                                            Joseph Bayly

For years, music has been an important part of not only the ministry of St. Andrew’s, but all of the Hilton churches.  Organs were installed, Ministers of Music hired, choirs formed – and music filled the air.  What a glorious Easter celebration we had with organ, flutes, trumpet, handbells, and voices.

Lent was a time for reflection and Easter was a time for celebration.  With the recent passing of my friend Paul Keller (who occasionally sang with our choir on Christmas Eve and subbed for Brad), I have been thinking about other fine musicians we have lost: Don Golden (Trinity Lutheran), John Garrett (First Methodist), Bill Tew (St. Paul’s), and Michael Cooley (St. Andrew’s).  May we remember them as we continue to celebrate with music that is vital to our spiritual lives.

Bill Wilds