As Long As I Have Any Being, I Will Sing Praises Unto My God

In late 1996 I left my home in Georgia for Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. Several weeks later I started Basic Hospital Corps School here, in San Diego. My first order of personal business was to seek out the Chaplains at Naval Medical Center and see if there were any Episcopalians afoot. There was one. I was able to meet with her, and I asked her if there were any Episcopal churches in the area that she recommended. She gave me a list or parishes which included St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Cathedral was the first one on that list; mainly because it was in easy walking distance.

I decided, since it was so close to the Medical Center, I would try the Cathedral first. The next evening, which was a Saturday, I went off looking for this place so I could get service times and know where I was headed on Sunday morning. I found it – and the doors were open! In those days, there was a Folk Mass here. It was held in the Chancel area. Immediately, and as was usual for me in a church setting, I started helping those already present set up chairs and music stands. After some introductions, I decided to stay for the service, even though folk masses were not really my thing. Well, I’m glad I did. Not only did I receive a nice welcome before the service, but David and Alice Easley treated me to a dinner afterward at Boll Weevel’s. What an introduction to San Diego! The next morning would be my first Sunday of searching for a new Church home. It would also be my last Sunday of searching.

I can tell you that the welcome I received was certainly a factor in deciding to come back to St. Paul’s, but it was not the thing that made up my mind to stay. With the great welcome I received, I decided to keep this place on my list of possibilities – the “short list”, if you will. And then, it happened. The prelude started. I don’t remember what it was that was played that morning, or who played it – I’m sure it was Edgar Billups. It was soft and soothing, and it was so great to finally hear a pipe organ again (I hadn’t heard a real pipe organ throughout all of boot camp). Then, the opening hymn began. The organist did not hold back on the introduction to the hymn and a rush of awe came over me. Before the introduction was even complete, I had thrown away that list – there was no longer any “short-list”; there was only St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Now, I have to tell you, in the past, I would have paid to hear music like I heard that first Sunday; the anthems, the prelude and postlude; and I remember saying to myself, I don’t have to pay for this, it’s right here, every week. Then, that afternoon I went to Evensong. I had never heard the service of Evensong before that night. Sung Evening Prayer, yes – well, at least an attempt at sung Evening Prayer. I don’t remember if it was the Choristers or the St. Cecilia choir that sang, but I remember a clearly spiritual response to the music throughout the service. “Moving” does not even describe the feeling that coursed through me.

There is one thing at this place that, even after 15 years, always makes me feel a new sense of awe each time it occurs; and that is hearing this organ. Laurie Gunn said, in one of the campaign videos about the organ, “…the walls between us and the Almighty become a little thinner.” I truly believe that to be the case. With this organ, in conjunction with the liturgy, we take ourselves out of this world, even if only for a little while, and we get a little closer to the seraphim, who continually cry, “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of Sabaoth.” We join with the angels, and archangels, and all the company of heaven and we make our songs of praise and worship to the glory of the Holy Trinity. Music as a part of worship is mentioned throughout Scripture. In fact this is all over the Psalter. The last five psalms all mention music as a way to praise God.

Only a few years ago, we were without our organ for a while, and it was painfully obvious how empty our services can be without the organ. I cannot imagine what would become of the Cathedral without the organ – and I don’t want to find out. You see, it’s not only the worship that this organ sustains; no – it is much, much more. Young people get to learn on this instrument. This organ has, and will continue to accompany chamber ensembles, outside choirs, and orchestras. The organ is a sustaining force for not only our family, but for the city as well; indeed, even national organizations hold events here due to this instrument.

Without our help, each and every one of us, this marvelous organ will, eventually, fail. That is inevitable if we do not take action. Now, no one is asking us to give more than we are able; but we, as a community – as a family, must do all that we can to take care of our spiritual home. Right now, today, there is a need for care. It is a big need. You and I; we are the ones who will make it happen. As I discussed my personal situation with my friend, Shawn, he helped me see that we can make a difference, and be part of a legacy. And, years from now, those of us who participated in this campaign will be able to look up at the organ as it plays and say, “I had a part in this.”

“As long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God.”

Don Mitchell