GARY – The talk of the town, at least among those who attended the Hymn and Spiritual Fest, was about the outstanding quality of the vocal and music performances “making music to the Lord” at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels on July 28.
Gary-area residents gathered for the fourth annual event sponsored by Americolor Performing Arts, Inc. There was little conversation during the choral concert as the volume of the spirited performances kept eyes and ears focused on the sanctuary. Visitors raved about the Gospel event at a reception that followed.
“What drew me here is that I am a parishioner at Ss. Monica and Luke down the road and we’ve been talking about this for a long time,” said Alec Torigian, a resident of Gary. “Unsurprisingly, this did not disappoint; it’s a beautiful way to praise God and there is some incredible talent. It was amazing.”
Visitors filled the seat of the Diocese of Gary, with pastors remarking about the “beautiful edifice” and “holy place” and bookended the vocal and organ performances with invocations.
Father Arthur Anderson, OFM, led a call to prayer and people responded to “Be joyful in the Lord, all you His people” and other invocations. The Rev. Dr. Rammen Jackson, pastor of St. Timothy Community Church, Gary, followed with a reading of Psalm 150.
Bishop Robert J. McClory briefly spoke and repeated a theme of “You are welcome” to the cathedral.
MacBeth Harris, director of music at St. John Baptist Church of Gary, led the first two numbers, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” and “Walk Together Children.” Harris remained in motion, animated in his direction until the last syllable of the spirituals.
Harris was followed by local music directors Beverly Steele of Carter Memorial CME Church, John Dunson of St. Timothy Community Church, Pamela Austin of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, David Vicari of the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, Dolena Mack of St. Timothy Community Church, David Herr of St. Edward, Donald Thompson of London Abroad Education Project and Patrice Mack of First Baptist Church.
Some musical selections filled the cathedral to its high vaulted ceiling with the sounds of patriotic anthems, such as the performance of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which was composed by abolitionist Julia Ward Howe after a meeting with President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. “Down by the Riverside” was a soulful call for cessation of hostilities, inviting the faithful to “talk with that Prince of Peace.” The spiritual was directed by Mack for the cathedral audience.
A more modern hymn, popularly used in Catholic liturgy, “Lead Me, Guide Me,” was originally published in 1953. The flowing tune was directed by Dunso, to the applause of those assembled in Holy Angels.
One of the keyboardists supporting the choir performances was Arthur Griffin, Jr., music minister for Chicago churches including St. Malachy Catholic Church and First Baptist Congregational Church. Counting about 50 years of playing of piano and organ, he rarely looks at his instrument; he watched the singers from the cathedral choir loft, occasionally turning to the pipe organ.
The sound from the instrument was strong and he credited the good stewardship of the diocese for maintaining the outstanding pipe organ.
“It’s good music and there is a place for good hymn singing and the organ is certainly the leader – it helps carry the congregation,” said Griffin. “This church has a glorious reverb and acoustics so that the organ just sings throughout the whole room. You all have been blessed to have a fine instrument … that has been well maintained and sounds wonderful.”
Many spirituals are not credited to a specific person, but rather recognized as reflecting the historical experience of many among African-American believers. Some of the program selections originated as European-American expressions of faith, and the melding of cultures through music provided for a wall-to-wall program of inspired sound.
Many in the congregation sat and waved their fans (provided at the entrances) to cope with the mid-day heat that settled into the cathedral. Among those assisting with event logistics, renowned local jazz pianist Billy Foster manned a cart passing out chilled bottled water.
Americolor chief executive officer Patricia Fointno, an author and composer, offered her thanks, naming numerous individuals who dedicated their time and talent for the cathedral fest. The Gary native, who looks to further the aims of “improving the quality of life for underserved communities and assist high school seniors to attain their goals of seeking a higher education,” was beaming.
“I wanted to reconnect with my hometown and this is it!” she said.
Fointno, who recently published poetic verse in a book, “Musings of Love,” said she hopes for next year’s hymn and spiritual presentation to again be hosted at the Gary cathedral. “That’s a commitment,” she said.
Musical director Vicari, like others who led choral groups, coordinated just one rehearsal period – the day before the performance. But, in a way, the singers didn’t need preparation, they just needed the opportunity to show their talent. “You saw Gary and all that entails,” said Vicari. “The singers, musicians, directors are really an extension of the South Side of Chicago. I don’t know how it works. As I sat in the front I (heard that) the sisters are so powerful.”
Caption: Church elder Antonio Sparks from Faith United in Dolton, Ill. raises his hand in praise as choir members perform during the Community Hymn & Spiritual Fest at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on July 28. The fourth annual event, sponsored by the non-profit arts and education organization Americolor Performing Arts Inc., featured dozens of singers and musicians led by music directors from several Gary churches. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)