Reverent Prelude

"Quiet prelude and postlude music creates an atmosphere of worship that invites the Spirit into Church meetings. The organist or pianist usually plays hymns or other appropriate music for five to ten minutes before and after a meeting. Playing hymns can help members review gospel teachings in their minds" (Handbook 2: Administering the Church 14.4.3).

A few years ago, I was called to serve as the organist in the University 11th Ward in Salt Lake City, Utah.  At the time, I felt unsure about it and was quite intimidated by the organ.  Although I was an accomplished pianist, the organ had so many more keys, in addition to foot pedals and all sorts of knobs and buttons!

To practice, I would arrive very early before meetings so that I could test various sound configurations and learn to use the foot pedals.  It took a lot of practice--and plenty of embarrassing mistakes in Sacrament Meetings--but I soon learned how to control the instrument.  I could shake the rafters with "Come, Come, Ye Saints" or create a sense of peace and reverence with "Sweet Hour of Prayer."  I soon came to enjoy this as one of my favorite callings in the church.  Not only did I learn how to play the organ, but I also learned an important lesson about music in the church.

During a Ward Conference, one of the counselors in that Stake Presidency stood to give his talk.  He started by thanking me for the reverent prelude music I had provided.  He then said: "The prelude music was so reverent, I felt as though I was entering the temple."  That comment made a deep impression on me.  I learned that, by beginning reverent prelude music before members of the congregation arrive, an organist can set the tone of a worship service.

Photo Reference: "TabernacleOrgan2" by User:Bobjgalindo - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TabernacleOrgan.jpg. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons