My heart was so full. I traveled back in time to three different schools where I served as head of school where we sang that song for chapel and special occasions such as graduation and Grandparents’ Day. It is based on Psalm 115 and says, “But to Your name, may all the glory be.”
When the students would sing it a cappella and in parts, the harmony would highlight the reverence of these words. At Covenant, we would close chapel each day with this song. Each and every day, it would stir my soul and profoundly bless me. There is nothing quite like students in grades K-12 singing in Latin about giving all the glory to God to turn your heart to our creator.
This is why I believe so strongly in classical education and everything it represents. With the scriptures at the core, looking through the lens of history as His-story, and relating this to quality literature, excellence in education is achieved. When classical music, art and drama are woven in with the academic rigor of math and science, there is no need to say “college-prep”, because it is redundant. There is nothing that better prepares a student than a classical education.
Our pastor, Chuck Swindoll, is one of the most godly, intelligent, gifted, articulate, well-read people I have ever known. He also loves classical music and is committed to the best in music, which includes classical as well as the hymns of the faith. In addition to Sunday mornings, we have the amazing privilege of periodic programs committed to the history of the hymns of the faith. Pastor Chuck writes and reads the narration, and the orchestra and choir perform the exquisite music, under the outstanding leadership of Don McMinn. This unyielding commitment to high quality music is one of the reasons we are members of Stonebriar Community Church.
Music and worship speak to the soul. Our God is worthy of our worship and praise. At our May 15th program at Stonebriar, Heart Songs from the Saints, we heard and sang many of these songs such as one of Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation, and considered by some to be the father of hymnody. He once said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our hearts, minds and spirits.”
When I reflect upon the hundreds of students who have learned and sung Non Nobis Domine over the years, I smile. But to Your name, may all the glory be!
For me personally, I praise God that I can worship in a church where music of this caliber is presented and performed with excellence. This is worship at its best. I invite you to come to Stonebriar Community Church.
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