Rewatch - The 2024 Wesleyan Hymn Festival!
Click the links below to watch the recording OR view the programS BULLETIN!
Recording of the Wesleyan Hymn Festival (opens in a new window)
Bulletin of the Wesleyan Hymn Festival (pdf document - opens in a new window)
Why a Wesleyan Hymn Festival?
The Wesleyan Hymn Festival on September 22 2024, was a special worship service focused on the contributions of the Wesley brothers to the Methodist movement, which they founded in the 1700s. As part of the Greater Detroit UMC District Concert Series “Mission Revival 2024”, we had a Sunday service around John Wesley’s “Directions for Singing,” written to emphasize the importance of congregational hymn singing. During the hymn festival service, one of the seven brief directions for singing was read, followed by a musical selection written by Charles Wesley.
The September 22nd celebration naturally gave special attention to congregational singing, and included St. Paul ensembles:
Chancel Choir
Praise Ringers handbell choir
In addition, vocal and instrumental soloists and small groups augmented the service. Other church members provided liturgy and narration, with prayers led by Pastor Rey.
The program included such well-loved hymns as:
“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
“Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies”
“Rejoice, the Lord Is King”