Sacred Sounds
Weaver Chapel Connects Music And Ministry

Like Martin Luther who composed hymns to teach the catechism, Weaver Chapel has worked collaboratively to develop programs that connect both music, liturgy and ministry for generations of students.

The Rev. Larry Houff ’66, former associate pastor to the university, explained that ties between the chapel and the music school became strong when President Stoughton hired L. David Miller, who held a master’s in sacred music. In addition, Stoughton hired Fred Jackish and Elmer F. Blackmer, who wedded the East coast (English) and Missouri (German) music and liturgy. Jackish led the chapel choir and played organ for Sunday services, which began being held on campus in December 1961.

“The liturgical sensibilities were enhanced by that organ, and a men’s choir, Schola Cantorum, served for liturgical services,” Houff said. “The pastors wore more formal vestments. The liturgy was more formal, and incense was used for the first time. Matins, held once a week, were very musical. Glorious – I still remember the sounds.”

Advent, Christmas, Sunday and weekday services were held during Houff ’s student years, and Reformation Choral Vespers had become a tradition upon his return as associate pastor in 1981. Houff personally developed the Medieval Candlemas and the German Language Epiphany services.

Professor of Music Trudy Faber noted that Advent services have also evolved from those built solely upon the anticipation of the coming of Christ to Advent Thanksgiving, which included hymns of thanksgiving and prophesies. The event eventually became the Wittenberg Series-sponsored annual Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas ser vice, which includes prophesies, details the birth of Christ and offers carols for the hundreds of guests who annually attend.

Gone, however, are St. Michael All Angels service; an Easter Vigil in conjunction with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; the Baroque Solo Cantata, and evening prayer services previously held three Sundays in a row, which featured soloists, flutes, violins, recorders, cellos and harpsichords playing Buxtelude, Corelli, Telemann and Bach. The Ascension Jazz Eucharist, which brought together the Jan Arthur Trio and the University Jazz Ensemble (Johnny Lytle playing the vibraphone), also no longer exists.

Faber, who plays organ and harpsichord and directs the Wittenberg Handbell Choir, added, however, that the annual Festival Choral Eucharist for the Reformation, commemorating Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses, continues to welcome a growing audience.

Another popular tradition, the annual Community Sing of George Friedrich Handel’s “Messiah,” first presented 26 years ago by Director of Community Programs Barb Mackey and co-sponsored by the Ruth B. and Thomas F. Mackey Charitable Gift Fund, also continues today. Sacred music compositions have debuted and continue to debut in Weaver Chapel as well.

– Phyllis Eberts ’00