Congratulations to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for 90 years of broadcast excellence. My first encounter with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was 1975 in Show Low, Ariz. Fresh out of seminary, I was the new pastor of the new Church of the Nazarene with a congregation of 12. The Latter-day Saints befriended me and became my dear friends. Our common denominator was music. We Christmas caroled together. We did musicals together. When I moved to my next pastoral assignment, they gave me a farewell party and gifts.
When I was watching “Music and the Spoken Word” on TV recently, it was announced this is the 90th year of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcasting music. My mind went back to the little church in Show Low, and how deeply music from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has blessed me and millions of others over the years.
Thank you, choir, for your beautiful spirit, your excellent music, and the rich example of goodness and decent entertainment you spread throughout the world. It is more than entertainment. It is truly ministry. May you continue another 10 years and another 100-plus years beyond.
And by the way, “Love to anybody in Show Low who might remember me, and to all those who do not.” Soul music of your kindness to me 45 years ago still lives in my heart.
C. Dale German, Bethany, Okla.