From the very beginning, I loved being a part of the choir -- and not just for the mints! I have lots of memories - the highs, the lows (accidentally stepping on a foot pedal after the song during stake conference in the Carolina Coliseum, or that time the pages were out of order...). It took me a few years but I eventually transitioned from the organ bench to the alto section and enjoyed being a part of "The Garden" program and others. Thanks, Jackie, for bringing the Spirit into many, many meetings and for helping me recognize that feeling at an early age.
Janet (Hart) Melonakos
(page turner, emeritus)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Dear Jackie,
Congratulations on 19.3 years as Stake music director! I smile as I reflect on the years I served with you and the happy memories of those days. You magnified your calling and you served the Lord and the members of our Stake. You chose music which was spiritually uplifting, entertaining and sometimes technically challenging, all of which I enjoyed.
We had a wealth of talent in the Stake; so many were anxious to sing, and you welcomed all. I appreciated your ‘perfecting’ of the music we performed, but your fun-loving spirit made it enjoyable to tediously rehearse over and over again.
You shared your musical talent as well as your teaching talent and your friendship talent. You have blessed many lives. I wish you and your family the best in your next calling of 19.3 years.
Love,
LuAnn
Monday, February 25, 2013
Singing in the Stake Choir was an amazing experience. I
loved the bonding it created between members of the Stake; seat mates became
friends, a large group of diverse people became a cohesive unit, the whole was
greater than the sum of it's parts, and often we were joined by angels.
One of my favorite songs was
" Consider the Lilies ", not just the words and melody, but
the fact that after much practice I finally learned the 2nd soprano part and it
is indelibly stamped on my brain! I have to say every song was my favorite as
we sang it. Jackie I loved the way you reminded us to read the words of the
songs and be inspired by them, singing with and for you was as much a spiritual
experience as it was a musical one.
With much love,
The Other Jackie
I had an opportunity to sing in the Stake
Choir many times and the main reason I enjoyed it so much was because of
Jackie. She was always such an
inspiration to us all. She made you feel
and experience each song not just sing it.
I had a band director in high school that always talked to us about each
song we were to perform and the story behind it. We were able to play with such feeling. This is what Jackie ALWAYS did. We would sing each song with such feeling and
emotion you could not help but to be truly moved. I have such a love for music and Jackie
increased that love ten fold. Love you
Jackie!!
Ida Leeth
Jackie,
I am trying to speak for Don when I write this. I know Don enjoyed singing in the
choir with you as director. Even though he gave you a hard time and played
around in the back row with Chuck and teased and laughed, he loved your
music. You have a great way of putting
programs together and finding the right people to sing the parts. Don truly enjoyed singing in the men's quartet. It was his favorite I
think. He just loved music and you made
it enjoyable.
love,
Denece
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Jackie,
I don't know where to begin! Music has been such a huge part of my life that I'm pursuing it as my career. I know that my involvement in Stake Choir, with you, has been a huge influence in the love for music I feel. I am so grateful for your hard work that made every single song we performed amazing, and taught me that church choirs can be spiritual AND musically perfect. Well, darn near. ;)
I think my first stake conference I sang in, we performed The Spirit of God. It was, of course, amazing. I am grateful for the opportunities you gave me to sing duets. Once with Joan Estep, Come, Thou Fount, and once with my sweetheart, John, Jesus, Lover of My Soul.
I especially loved our two performances of The Garden, and the Praise concert.
So many wonderful memories! I can't thank you enough. May the Lord bless you and keep a song in your heart.
Much love,
Karen (and John, I'm sure) Estep
Thank you
Sister McArthur,
Since my move to Augusta 10 years ago, one of the most enjoyable times of my life has been singing in the Stake Choir. You're direction for the choir and of the choir was inspired and inspirational. Thank you for the Spirit I felt ever time I was involved. You deserve a break but your leadership will very much be missed!
Susan Musgrove
Since my move to Augusta 10 years ago, one of the most enjoyable times of my life has been singing in the Stake Choir. You're direction for the choir and of the choir was inspired and inspirational. Thank you for the Spirit I felt ever time I was involved. You deserve a break but your leadership will very much be missed!
Susan Musgrove
Hi Jackie, I just wanted to post a note to tell you how much I loved singing in the stake choir. We had fun but always had a good rehearsal without wasting time. I can't express how much that meant to me because I came to sing and that is what I wanted to do. You are an excellent conductor and knew how to get the most out of us. Besides the spirit that was brought into a meeting I think one of my fondest memories is when I was able to sing with my children whether it was sitting next to David or singing with Alyssa and Lexie when we had the mother and daughter choir or the special Christmas program. One other memory I will never forget is when you asked all the men to wear conservative ties and then turned to Jonny Wilson and David and asked them specifically NOT to wear their red sheep ties. I wish you much love. Connie Urbanawiz
Mom,
Amy did not consult with me before writing her post. I just want to emphasize how the Augusta Ga Stake Choir and You have changed my life for ever. If I had not been so proud of You and the Choir I would not have shown you off to Amy and I would not have considered bringing her down to see the "That's Entertainment."
I have sung in the choir, I think, from the very beginning of your tenure. Sorry Dad and past Stake Presidents but the music has always been one of the highlights of our stake conferences. There have been many times when singing in the choir, I thought that the strength of the Spirit would overwhelm me and I would not be able to sing. Each of those experiences has strengthened my testimony of Our Savior and our loving Heavenly Father. I know that those experience were so powerful because of the effort You and the Choir put in. I think of D&C 9:7 how much more you did than simply ask the Lord to bless our choir.
I am grateful for all the times I was able to sing in the choir and the times I was able to just listen. I love you Mom.
Cody
Amy did not consult with me before writing her post. I just want to emphasize how the Augusta Ga Stake Choir and You have changed my life for ever. If I had not been so proud of You and the Choir I would not have shown you off to Amy and I would not have considered bringing her down to see the "That's Entertainment."
I have sung in the choir, I think, from the very beginning of your tenure. Sorry Dad and past Stake Presidents but the music has always been one of the highlights of our stake conferences. There have been many times when singing in the choir, I thought that the strength of the Spirit would overwhelm me and I would not be able to sing. Each of those experiences has strengthened my testimony of Our Savior and our loving Heavenly Father. I know that those experience were so powerful because of the effort You and the Choir put in. I think of D&C 9:7 how much more you did than simply ask the Lord to bless our choir.
I am grateful for all the times I was able to sing in the choir and the times I was able to just listen. I love you Mom.
Cody
Thank You
Jackie,
Being part of your choir has been an amazing experience for me. In fact, if it weren't for your choir and it's awesomeness, Cody may have never found a way to invite me down to Aiken and we would never have been married, and I wouldn't have Nicholas, Emma, Ainsley, or Abby and Cody would still be living at home with you. So, not only have you blessed my life, but yours and J Vaun's as well, which is only fair considering the time you've put in(you deserve to be as blessed by choir as the rest of us).
Unfortunately, you have only fostered my snobbery. Ever since my high school choir experience, I had struggled to find a choir to sing with that didn't embarrass me to stand up with them. I had almost given up hope and was days away from lowering my almighty standard when I first heard your choir. Now, 9 years, 11 months and 2 days later, I am as uppity as ever.
One of the highlights for me has been seeing you behind the scenes, weeks before rehearsal, choosing just the right music, and going the extra mile to make recordings and practice with accompanists. Your dedication has inspired me to be more selective in the things I do for the Lord. To consider each job he has asked me to do, and to really do my best to determine what and how He would have me do it. And like your choir, the results are always superior. Thank you for your amazing example of how to magnify your calling. It has been an honor to watch you operate.
Love, love,
Amy Elaine McArthur
(your favorite-in-law)
Being part of your choir has been an amazing experience for me. In fact, if it weren't for your choir and it's awesomeness, Cody may have never found a way to invite me down to Aiken and we would never have been married, and I wouldn't have Nicholas, Emma, Ainsley, or Abby and Cody would still be living at home with you. So, not only have you blessed my life, but yours and J Vaun's as well, which is only fair considering the time you've put in(you deserve to be as blessed by choir as the rest of us).
Unfortunately, you have only fostered my snobbery. Ever since my high school choir experience, I had struggled to find a choir to sing with that didn't embarrass me to stand up with them. I had almost given up hope and was days away from lowering my almighty standard when I first heard your choir. Now, 9 years, 11 months and 2 days later, I am as uppity as ever.
One of the highlights for me has been seeing you behind the scenes, weeks before rehearsal, choosing just the right music, and going the extra mile to make recordings and practice with accompanists. Your dedication has inspired me to be more selective in the things I do for the Lord. To consider each job he has asked me to do, and to really do my best to determine what and how He would have me do it. And like your choir, the results are always superior. Thank you for your amazing example of how to magnify your calling. It has been an honor to watch you operate.
Love, love,
Amy Elaine McArthur
(your favorite-in-law)
Director MOM
Well it goes without saying that your musical talents have always been and continue to be a part of my life experience. But as the Stake Choir director - well, that has been a special memory all to itself. Seated with the angels of the choir - the tenors (sorry sopranos), I always enjoyed each Sunday practice preparing for Stake Conferences. You took a group of non-professionals and polished us as shiny as we could get - and then, after all we could do, we pulled off beautiful arrangements which always brought the Spirit into those meetings. It was fun and it was inspiring, and you always had a special way of bringing emotion into each song and helping the choir express it effectively. I've said it before - I've been in many Stakes since - and I've NEVER heard a Stake choir as good as the Augusta Stake, anywhere! It's the time and effort that you put into that choir that made it so good! Everyone knows the energy you put into each practice - but only a
lucky few got to watch you practice and rehearse, beating time in the
air, even as we drove around town, with other people wondering what in the
world was going on! :) I've missed it - very much! And anyone who has ever been filled with the spirit after listening to one of those beautiful songs will always be grateful for what you have done these last 19 years. You're amazing - and I love you!
-Nathan
-Nathan
Jackie,
Thank you so much for your hard work over the years! Participating with the stake choir has been one of the greatest blessings of my life! Thank you for allowing me to participate as a young man. I have learned so much from you and from the music. I was invited to join the choir at a very pivotal point in my life. The choir and the beautiful music we had an opportunity to sing helped me to make some very important changes in my life and helped me become who I am today. The Augusta Georgia Stake Choir under your direction will forever be the standard by which I judge all other choirs! Thank you for all of your hard work and sacrifice to bring such beautiful, spiritual music to the stake.
David Urbanawiz
P.S. - Thank you for not actually bringing any baseball bats to rehearsals.
Thank you so much for your hard work over the years! Participating with the stake choir has been one of the greatest blessings of my life! Thank you for allowing me to participate as a young man. I have learned so much from you and from the music. I was invited to join the choir at a very pivotal point in my life. The choir and the beautiful music we had an opportunity to sing helped me to make some very important changes in my life and helped me become who I am today. The Augusta Georgia Stake Choir under your direction will forever be the standard by which I judge all other choirs! Thank you for all of your hard work and sacrifice to bring such beautiful, spiritual music to the stake.
David Urbanawiz
P.S. - Thank you for not actually bringing any baseball bats to rehearsals.
Sister McArthur,
Thank you for sharing and
magnifying your music talents with the Augusta Georgia Stake for so many years.
I’ve hear it said that
music makes the Gospel come to life and I believe that...You have been blessed
with the unique talent of making the music come to life. Through your
preparation and your consistent encouragement I felt the Choir sharing
testimony through song.
My favorite song we had
the opportunity to sing was "Come thou fount". As I recall, this was my first time being
part of any Stake Choir. I love this
song for its message, for the music itself, for the feelings that accompany
this song each time I hear it! Thank you
for the extra time preparing music for each part of the choir, the piano parts,
and the voice with the piano, for the great incentives (brownies)! This helped me tremendously and provided me
with the courage to work hard to learn my part!
Sincerely,
Chad Fowers
Dear Jackie,
My mom says she is grateful her kids had a great music teacher. I have to say, I am too. You were my first piano teacher, when I was in 5th grade. You were the first one to encourage me to sing. I remember the first time you said you wanted me to sing in sacrament meeting. I sang I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus, and I was scared to death but you coached me into a successful debut! Singing is the greatest source of happiness in my life (only short of my family and the Gospel!) right now and I thank you for encouraging me when I was young :) I wish everybody could have a music teacher like you!
Love always,
Sarah Welker Tyhurst
My mom says she is grateful her kids had a great music teacher. I have to say, I am too. You were my first piano teacher, when I was in 5th grade. You were the first one to encourage me to sing. I remember the first time you said you wanted me to sing in sacrament meeting. I sang I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus, and I was scared to death but you coached me into a successful debut! Singing is the greatest source of happiness in my life (only short of my family and the Gospel!) right now and I thank you for encouraging me when I was young :) I wish everybody could have a music teacher like you!
Love always,
Sarah Welker Tyhurst
always music!
Growing up around constant music was pretty awesome. I learned very quickly the power that Sacred music has. Once my voice finally dropped I got to start singing too. I have some fantastic memories from all the choir practices I got to be a part of. Sitting next to guys like bishop Askew, bishop Graham,brother Tuckfield, and president Foster was not only a great lesson on singing but also a grand lesson on how to be a great guy. I loved feeling the spirit during practices and performances. Mom always made sure we knew what we were singing about. Sometimes I even got to play the violin! Scary as can be but still an incredible experience. I guess what I am trying to say is that thanks to mom I was able to have many important and fundamental spiritual experiences throughout the most formative stages of my life!
THANK YOU!!!! The music over the years has been inspiring and heart felt. I truly have enjoyed being a part of the Stake Choir the last couple of years and the Christmas Program. What a wonderful spirit that could be felt in the preparation of the music and the final presentation of the program. Good luck to whatever endeavors the Lord has planned for you and President McArthur. I know the spirit will most certainly guide and protect you both.
Love,
Brother Robert Leiter
Love,
Brother Robert Leiter
Dear Jackie,
It has been such a pleasure to sing under your direction off and on for the past 7 years. What I liked most was the very professional way you went about each aspect of the experience: inviting just so many people, seating them in just the right places, knowing how you wanted each song to be performed, inviting the Spirit to be there, and your personal preparation and confidence in what you were doing. I especially appreciate the fact that you never "threw something together" for the Lord. He deserves our very best and you always gave that to Him, and it was always wonderful. Thank you for your fine example over all these years both in the way you handled the music, and also for being such a wonderful, supportive wife of your stake president husband. I know he wouldn't have been able to do the job the Lord called him to do without you by his side. I wish you the best in whatever the Lord has planned for your future! I know you will do well anywhere He puts you! Thanks again for being such an awesome sister in the gospel!
Love,
Valerie Wilson
Jackie,
Nineteen years! No wonder you're so awesome at what you do. You've dedicated your life to a music calling!
First, let me say how blessed we are in the Coker Springs Primary to be learning our music under your direction. The music you teach is so inspiring. (eg. "Gethsemane" is not only my grandchildren's favorite, but it has touched me deeply!) The children respond so well to your expectations of quality in their singing. You are blessing lives for eternity!
I feel blessed to have been able to sing in a few stake choirs under your direction. Your talent is obvious. Your hard work and preparation is amazing and thorough. Your great feeling for the spirit of the music permeates into our souls and helps us sing with greater feeling. You are patient with our "learning curve", showing good humor, yet expecting improvement--and it happens!
Know you are loved and appreciated! I wish you well in your "new phase" of church service and am grateful you continue to serve in our Primary.
Kathleen Wheatley
Nineteen years! No wonder you're so awesome at what you do. You've dedicated your life to a music calling!
First, let me say how blessed we are in the Coker Springs Primary to be learning our music under your direction. The music you teach is so inspiring. (eg. "Gethsemane" is not only my grandchildren's favorite, but it has touched me deeply!) The children respond so well to your expectations of quality in their singing. You are blessing lives for eternity!
I feel blessed to have been able to sing in a few stake choirs under your direction. Your talent is obvious. Your hard work and preparation is amazing and thorough. Your great feeling for the spirit of the music permeates into our souls and helps us sing with greater feeling. You are patient with our "learning curve", showing good humor, yet expecting improvement--and it happens!
Know you are loved and appreciated! I wish you well in your "new phase" of church service and am grateful you continue to serve in our Primary.
Kathleen Wheatley
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Best memories
Hi Sis McArthur,
Stake (and ward) choir are some of my best memories. I've rarely felt the spirit as strongly as I did when singing in one of your choirs. 19 Years, WOW! That's amazing.
btw... Thanks for putting up with my Dad and Bishop Graham :)
Joey Novak
Stake (and ward) choir are some of my best memories. I've rarely felt the spirit as strongly as I did when singing in one of your choirs. 19 Years, WOW! That's amazing.
btw... Thanks for putting up with my Dad and Bishop Graham :)
Joey Novak
Jackie,
Thank you for your service to the Stake and thank you for helping me again find my voice. My wife was probably the most excited when I decided to sing with the Stake Choir. I used to sing all the time, and music has been as much a part of our lives and our marriage as it is in your home. But with me being on the road for a number of years for work, the opportunities for such participation have been very limited. So I went to the choir practices not knowing if I still had a voice - and found that I still did. I really enjoyed learning from you and getting to know more about the music that just the songs or the notes. What a great blessing you have been to the wonderful people of this Stake.
Sincerely,
Keith Anderson
Thank you for your service to the Stake and thank you for helping me again find my voice. My wife was probably the most excited when I decided to sing with the Stake Choir. I used to sing all the time, and music has been as much a part of our lives and our marriage as it is in your home. But with me being on the road for a number of years for work, the opportunities for such participation have been very limited. So I went to the choir practices not knowing if I still had a voice - and found that I still did. I really enjoyed learning from you and getting to know more about the music that just the songs or the notes. What a great blessing you have been to the wonderful people of this Stake.
Sincerely,
Keith Anderson
Jackie:
What a great example of service and faith you have brought to our stake.
The gift and power of music and the testimony that you have shared through you talent of music has touched many.
It was wonderful to be in the choir with your enthusiasm, humor, and love of the gospel with the desire to bring the spirit to all who are in attendance to be blessed and edified by the sounds of angels who often, I am sure, helped sing with your choirs.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family for your dedication and serivce and example to all those who know you, and for the beautiful gift of music and joy you have brought to countless people who have been in attendance, both in your choirs and in the congregations.
Love Sister Cynthia Murray
What a great example of service and faith you have brought to our stake.
The gift and power of music and the testimony that you have shared through you talent of music has touched many.
It was wonderful to be in the choir with your enthusiasm, humor, and love of the gospel with the desire to bring the spirit to all who are in attendance to be blessed and edified by the sounds of angels who often, I am sure, helped sing with your choirs.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family for your dedication and serivce and example to all those who know you, and for the beautiful gift of music and joy you have brought to countless people who have been in attendance, both in your choirs and in the congregations.
Love Sister Cynthia Murray
Sharing your gift with me
Sister McArthur,
I can't being to express the gratitude that I have in my heart for opportunity that I have been so blessed with to be in the choir over the last 10 years. The music that we sang in every meeting has brought the spirit not only to my life life but to all those who heard our voices. It has been one of the highlight of my life to have been apart of your choir and to have learned so much from you and from Aubree.
Music is such a tool for the spirit to touch and teach people and you allowed us to do that each conference. It honesty felt so powerful up there at times like the angels were actally standing next to us as we were singing because the spirit was so strong. You showed us how to testify though the spirit of song to bear our testimonies of Christ through the words we sang in each verse not just to say the word but to truly know and testity of them. You brought that strength and power out of each of us and I thank you for those moments as I will always treasure them.
I don't know if I can pick a favorite song because I liked them all, I loved being able to be apart of That's Entertainment night and singing in Phantom and Les Miserable that was pretty great for me. who can forget Cindy and When the Saints...
Two years ago when my mom almost died we sang her favorite song and it was How Great Thou Art and I will never for get that song or that moment I felt as we sang it. The Power in the the ending was out of this world. I still get chills thinking about it. It helped me through a very dark period.
I wish we have a CD of them all. I love them all as much as I love you and your family.
Aubree has been an Angel in my life so thank for her.
Thank you for your time, sacrifice and your talent and most of all for sharing your gift with me. I am forever blessed because of it.
I love you.
Jenn Jones
I can't being to express the gratitude that I have in my heart for opportunity that I have been so blessed with to be in the choir over the last 10 years. The music that we sang in every meeting has brought the spirit not only to my life life but to all those who heard our voices. It has been one of the highlight of my life to have been apart of your choir and to have learned so much from you and from Aubree.
Music is such a tool for the spirit to touch and teach people and you allowed us to do that each conference. It honesty felt so powerful up there at times like the angels were actally standing next to us as we were singing because the spirit was so strong. You showed us how to testify though the spirit of song to bear our testimonies of Christ through the words we sang in each verse not just to say the word but to truly know and testity of them. You brought that strength and power out of each of us and I thank you for those moments as I will always treasure them.
I don't know if I can pick a favorite song because I liked them all, I loved being able to be apart of That's Entertainment night and singing in Phantom and Les Miserable that was pretty great for me. who can forget Cindy and When the Saints...
Two years ago when my mom almost died we sang her favorite song and it was How Great Thou Art and I will never for get that song or that moment I felt as we sang it. The Power in the the ending was out of this world. I still get chills thinking about it. It helped me through a very dark period.
I wish we have a CD of them all. I love them all as much as I love you and your family.
Aubree has been an Angel in my life so thank for her.
Thank you for your time, sacrifice and your talent and most of all for sharing your gift with me. I am forever blessed because of it.
I love you.
Jenn Jones
An Inspiration
Sister McArthur,
Both Daniel and I absolutely loved being in the stake choir.
We talk of how awesome our stake choir was all the time. Since leaving Augusta,
we have lived in Utah, Athens (GA), Iowa, and now Indiana. Not a single stake in which we have lived has
compared to Augusta as far as stake music and choir is concerned!
One of my most favorite memories was the night of music we
had where Ian, Ian, and I played the violin, and we had a youth dance group
that performed too…as well as in the choir performances. It was such a good experience. You did so much to
make music special for us. You have certainly gone above and beyond the
expectations for a stake music director. You have inspired many people, including
me! Thank you for all you have done!
Stephanie and Daniel Standage
PS. I know my brothers and sisters (Coleman family) love,
Love, LOVED preforming in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I am
not actually sure if you were in charge of that, but hey…just putting it out
there.
From Rachel: I really appreciated all the pointers you gave me
when I directed the seminary choir in 2006(?).
Watching you in the stake choir inspired me to do my best!
To a Fantastic Musical Director
Thank you so much for the oportunity to sing under your direction. You are such a wonderful director. I have such great respect for you. I am a vocalist and sing for many different directors, and I can honestly say you are one of my favorite musical directors. You and your daughter have such wonderful musical talent and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with both of you.
Jackie Herron
With Love
Sister McArthur,
You have been my Stake Choir director for most of my life. :) I have countless fond memories of our Stake Choir rehearsals and performances. I have loved meeting and creating friendships with so many talented people over the years.
Sister McArthur, you have a knack for teaching the technical aspects of music without making them tedious or frustrating. You have the ability to make singing fun and spiritual almost simultaneously.
I loved singing in the choir as a youth. It was exciting to learn new music and to be part of a choir with such amazing results. You helped to cultivate my love for music. You helped me to grow in my confidence as a choir member, and as a person. You helped me to learn to recognize the feelings of the Spirit in the music that we sang , and to learn to find my own personal reasons for singing.
After getting married and coming back to Augusta, it was wonderful to be able to participate in the choir as a couple. Beau says, " Thanks for putting up with my shenanigans." :)
In particular, I have absolutely loved singing "Consider the Lilies" and the spirit and comfort that those words and music brought to our minds. The Easter selections have always been my favorite because of their thoughtfully selected messages of hope through the Atonement. It has been difficult to make it through those performances without shedding tears.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group. Thank you for your vision and leadership. Thank you for the countless hours that you have devoted to this choir over the years. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Thank you for your love. We love you. :)
Love,
Shellie and Beau Person
You have been my Stake Choir director for most of my life. :) I have countless fond memories of our Stake Choir rehearsals and performances. I have loved meeting and creating friendships with so many talented people over the years.
Sister McArthur, you have a knack for teaching the technical aspects of music without making them tedious or frustrating. You have the ability to make singing fun and spiritual almost simultaneously.
I loved singing in the choir as a youth. It was exciting to learn new music and to be part of a choir with such amazing results. You helped to cultivate my love for music. You helped me to grow in my confidence as a choir member, and as a person. You helped me to learn to recognize the feelings of the Spirit in the music that we sang , and to learn to find my own personal reasons for singing.
After getting married and coming back to Augusta, it was wonderful to be able to participate in the choir as a couple. Beau says, " Thanks for putting up with my shenanigans." :)
In particular, I have absolutely loved singing "Consider the Lilies" and the spirit and comfort that those words and music brought to our minds. The Easter selections have always been my favorite because of their thoughtfully selected messages of hope through the Atonement. It has been difficult to make it through those performances without shedding tears.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group. Thank you for your vision and leadership. Thank you for the countless hours that you have devoted to this choir over the years. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Thank you for your love. We love you. :)
Love,
Shellie and Beau Person
Many Thanks
What words do you write in appreciation for someone who has
given so much? Endless hours listening, learning, copying, collecting, and
making things ready for practices. Putting up with the wanna be comedians in
the “back row”. Offering time and individual practices for those of us in the
remedial music class.
Many are the times your music has brought tears to my eyes
and warmth to my heart. Stake and ward conferences, Christmas, special musical
events, a special barbershop number, our friend Don’s funeral, I could list
many, many, more.
You and your family, through associations of children, friends,
and events have been a tremendous impact upon our family and have made music a much
larger part of our lives.
Most importantly I am a better man for having known Jackie
McArthur.
Many thanks
Your Millstone
Jackie,
Tears have flowed as I have gathered memories to share with you. Participating with and learning from you for many years has given me some of the sweetest memories of my life. I remember how hard you worked to teach us “Cindy”, and whenever I hear The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing it, I still marvel that you were able to break it into small parts to help us learn it.
I remember your treats after our last practices, a platform built so you could be seen better, “notes, words, rhythm, pick two”, all the good-natured heckling you took from the basses and tenors (especially the bass I married), challenges with sound systems, and your famous (although quiet) solo.
While your musical talents and dedication come to mind foremost, close behind is your love for the Lord. Your testimonies and trust in the Lord when the task seemed daunting brought a great spirit that helped us perform beyond any of our abilities. I came to anticipate your sweet testimony and expressions of faith that the Lord would help us to set the tone for the music and invite the spirit.
I remember singing together in difficult funerals, after 9/11, when Sis. Beck came to visit, and when one visiting authority asked for a surprise number during Stake Conference. I am so grateful I got to learn “Come, Come Ye Saints”, “The Spirit of God”, “I Need Thee Every Hour”, and “Were You There?”
No memory is sweeter than singing at the cornerstone dedication of the temple in Columbia.
I wish I could find words to express my gratitude for your ability to pull talent from me and let me contribute to music that helped bring the spirit not only into many meetings, but into the lives of the performers. I know we worked hard in practices, but I know you worked much, much harder before we ever came to those practices. I learned from you not only a lot about music, but also about faith. I have used those lessons many times, knowing that the Lord would help make up for my deficiencies when I have tried my best.
Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication. And for the memories.
Love, Wanda Novak
Love, Wanda Novak
Jackie,
We have so enjoyed the opportunity we have had to participate as members of the stake choir that you have directed over these many years. It is difficult to indicate a favorite moment since all provided spiritual growth and allowed us to strengthen friendships with other choir members. You will be missed. We love you.
Paul and Deb Brucker
We have so enjoyed the opportunity we have had to participate as members of the stake choir that you have directed over these many years. It is difficult to indicate a favorite moment since all provided spiritual growth and allowed us to strengthen friendships with other choir members. You will be missed. We love you.
Paul and Deb Brucker
Jackie, Being part of the Augusta Stake Choir was some of the happiest years of my life. We were not just a choir, we were family with you as the glue that held us together. When I moved away 5 1/2 years ago I knew I would miss it, but I did not realize how much. My fondest memories living in the Augusta Stake was due to the strong faithful members that made this choir great. I will never forget the time we had a general authority visiting and when he got up to speak, he made mention of how he did not realize we had a mini Tabernacle Choir in the Augusta Stake. He then asked us to sing his favorite hymn. Since we did not have hymn books on the stand we had to have a few choir members go down to the congregation to gather them. Every member of that choir had their eyes glued to you like you were our lifeline. I am so grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to grow in my confidence as a performer and in gaining a stronger testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are forever my true friend and I miss you very much. Thank you for your unending dedication to this awesome choir!
Dorralee Hebert
Dorralee Hebert
Singing with you in the Augusta Stake Choir is the closest thing I will ever get to singing in the Tabernacle Choir. You taught us not only how to sing the right notes, but to sing our testimony. I was able to physically express all those things of the heart that cannot be expressed in words. We were able to shout for joy and tell the Lord of our gratitude for His blessings.
My favorite choir memory was singing at the cornerstone laying ceremony. The instructions were to only look at you, not at President Hinckley. Well, the angle I had to take to look at you put him right behind you in my line of sight. I did look at you the entire time, but I couldn't help seeing him also. He stood still listening and watching us the entire time we were singing. It was amazing. I know he could feel out spirits as we sang.
Thank you so much. I will never forget my experiences with the choir.
Fawn Carlsen
My favorite choir memory was singing at the cornerstone laying ceremony. The instructions were to only look at you, not at President Hinckley. Well, the angle I had to take to look at you put him right behind you in my line of sight. I did look at you the entire time, but I couldn't help seeing him also. He stood still listening and watching us the entire time we were singing. It was amazing. I know he could feel out spirits as we sang.
Thank you so much. I will never forget my experiences with the choir.
Fawn Carlsen
Jackie, I guess we were part of the Augusta Stake Choir for as long as you have been the director. We always felt uplifted and that we grew with each performance. You have a talent for bringing out the best in us and all in the choirs felt it and loved you for it. We also appreciated the quality of music you selected for us. We enjoy the Tab Choir music all the more because we have sung so many of their repertoire hymns. We had a fun experience out of this when we were at the LDS week at Philmont. They called for a volunteer choir to sing for July 4th, and we had a choir of about fifty people. One of the numbers the director wanted us to sing was "Battle Hymn of the Republic". All we had was the hymnbook. It didn't feel BIG enough. People spontaneously started singing the Tab Choir arrangement and it seems that at least three-quarters of this choir made up of random choir members from all over the country knew it. The performance was memorable.
You were doing your "Jackie exactness" at the regional choir rehearsal in Columbia and someone from another stake turned to her friend and commented, "Who does she think she is?" Sitting next to her, I was stunned, as were others who heard her. In our experience you are the finest conductor we have sung with, that's why you were asked to conduct the regional choir, and weren't we all there to do our best? Augusta Stake choir people around her bristled and set her straight.
You saw potential in people that they probably did not know they had. We particularly appreciated the way you discovered people throughout the stake and gave them the opportunity to develop and perform. I was amazed when Sean, Cody, and Nathan sang and how great they sounded. Singing with you was worth every sacrifice it took to manage it. We were always excited to prepare for a performance. We realized that in preparation for a performance the details you worked on between rehearsals must have consumed you -- and your family. Thank you for your selfless service.
JaNice and Dennis Taylor
Thank you!
Sixteen years ago I turned 14 and was invited to join the stake choir by you. I learned so much about music from you, Sister McArthur. I was terrified of everyone but because of that opportunity, and a few others, my confidence grew. I loved going to choir practice as a youth and my excitement for it continued through adulthood. The way you led it always invited the spirit. The songs always gave me a spiritual lift that I needed. I loved that you were honest with how we sounded. If it was bad, you told us so we could improve and fix it, but you were always very polite about it and it was normally told through facial expressions. ;) Your banter with the bass section was always my favorite. It was quite entertaining. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to learn and grow and feel the spirit for so many years and trusting that shy 14 year old not to screw up too badly and inviting me back again and again. It was a pleasure singing in your choir.
Linda Smith
Thank you so much!
Sister McArthur,
I've said it before, and I will say it again, every single time I was blessed enough to have worked with you in any choir I learned something new and wonderful about music. You are a natural teacher, and you are always so encouraging and positive. I love your sense of humor and your natural ability to bring the spirit with music. You and your whole family are wonderful examples. You have done an amazing job. I just hope to continue to have opportunitites to learn at your musical high-heeled feet.
Rose Schroeder
I've said it before, and I will say it again, every single time I was blessed enough to have worked with you in any choir I learned something new and wonderful about music. You are a natural teacher, and you are always so encouraging and positive. I love your sense of humor and your natural ability to bring the spirit with music. You and your whole family are wonderful examples. You have done an amazing job. I just hope to continue to have opportunitites to learn at your musical high-heeled feet.
Rose Schroeder
Inexpressable Gratitude
Ms.
Maestro (Sister) Jackie,
The
un-utterable truth about my experience as a choir member in the Augusta Georgia
Stake will never be conveyed fully in this life. It is simply because of
this. The Spirit of Lord filled to overflowing every venue in which we
used all of our meager talents to perform.
Not only were angels sent to join us, but I testify that the Lord God of
Israel was eager to aid us because of your faithfulness, because of your devotion,
and the hours of dedication you showed in preparation for those wonderful
musical moments in our lives.
I
have told you before that I have had the privilege to sing the most beautiful
solo music of our day in the sun, because of you. I pretended to lofty heights (and notes) of
an Italian tenor when you gave me to sing “The Prayer”. I was filled with dark passion – OK well, as
much as a happily married man can be – in singing the role of the “Phantom” of
the Opera.
But
I shall always remember, and I will never forget the tender, sacred role of the
“Gardner”. The more I practiced that
part, the closer I felt to the Savior, the more concerned I was about
portraying that beautiful image in song, and the more certain I became that I
couldn’t do it as well as needed. But
the day of the concert, I watched my director, whose humble heart and faith in
us strengthened my confidence and lifted my spirit to a new plane of
performance. It was the most moving
experience of the multitude of moving experiences that you gave me, and us,
during your 19 years of service to the Lord, to our Stake, and to those brothers
and sisters who will love you forever.
Thank
you, thank you…
-Cary
Dear Jackie,
I just can't thank you enough for the wonderful musical and spiritual experiences you have helped create for us in the Augusta Georgia Stake over the past 19 years. I've been sitting here trying to come up with the right words that express what the Stake Choir and musical performances under your direction have meant to me and it's hard because the memories just keep flooding in. There are so many: your unique blend of humor and serious direction that kept us men focused on the music (most of the time); the friendships we gained as we got to know people in the Stake we wouldn't have met otherwise; all the times I had to fight back tears during our performances because the Spirit was so strong; how our combined choir performance of "Faith in Every Footstep" at a regional conference was described as rivaling that of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; the light-hearted program of "Broadway" music where I learned that I could almost sing 2nd tenor; the Easter program that touched the hearts of one of my non-member co-workers; the somber performance after 9/11, where we were able to lift our spirits with music we didn't realize we had practiced for just that occasion; and, of course, our performance at the cornerstone ceremony for the Columbia South Carolina Temple. As part of my gratitude for your marvelous direction over the years, I thought I'd share what I wrote about our experience at the Temple:
"On Saturday, 16 October 1999, my wife, Fawn, and I arrived at 6:30 am to participate in the Cornerstone Choir (also known as the ‘outside choir’). The cornerstone ceremony was to take place about 8:00 am. It was a beautiful morning, even though Hurricane Irene was threatening to bring rain the next day. We practiced for about 45 minutes while the sound equipment was being set up, and had a devotional for the choir in a wonderful little courtyard on the east side of the Temple.
"After the devotional, we began gathering to our assigned place near the cornerstone. At about that time, we heard that President Hinckley was in the Temple with Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard. I was pretty nervous about the service but knew the Lord would bless us to perform well--we had been practicing hard for several weeks. (The hardest part for some was memorizing the music.) While we were waiting for the service to begin, the sun was just coming up and beginning to shine on the statue of Moroni. We all thought how appropriate it was for our first song, “The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee.” (The arrangement we sang was written for the Oakland Temple Dedication.)
"At about 8:10, we were given the sign to start singing. Shortly after we began, Pres. Hinckley and the others emerged from the Temple. We had a great view of the Temple entrance from where we were standing, but we were all concentrating on the choir director, so the most we could tell was there was a large group gathering near the cornerstone and some of the group were dressed completely in white. The song went very well--everyone was pleased with our performance. President Hinckley thanked us for the song and then welcomed everyone to the ceremony. He was full of energy and in fine form. The first thing he said after the welcome was, “I wonder what the neighbors think?” (I’m sure we could be heard a good distance away--the sound system had some good-sized speakers.) He then made a few remarks and said something like, “I guess it’s time to see if we can put some mud on this cornerstone.”
"President Hinckley took the trowel first, and added some mortar in the crack around the cornerstone. Not all of the mortar made it into the crack, so he said, “I guess we should have had a cloth to clean this off.” Elder Ballard happened to have a tissue, so he wiped off the excess mortar. Then Elder Oaks was given the trowel. After he finished, Elder Ballard asked if he should wipe off the excess again, and Pres. Hinckley quipped, “Yes, you’d better clean up Elder Oaks’ mess.” Elder Ballard took his turn and while he was carefully applying the mortar, Pres. Hinckley remarked, “It’s a good thing we didn’t have Elder Ballard build this Temple. At this rate, it wouldn’t be complete until 2007.” After Elder Ballard was finished, Pres. Hinckley asked Sis. Hinckley and the other wives to take a turn. As Sis. Hinckley made her attempt, not getting much mortar in the proper place, Pres. Hinckley reminded her that “It’s a trowel, Dear, not a spoon.” After the sisters and the members of the Temple Presidency had their turn, Pres. Hinckley asked a young boy and girl from the audience to come up and help. He asked if they were brother and sister, and when they said “Yes”, he asked the girl if she got along with her brother. I think she said yes. At any rate, President Hinckley remarked that “He’s probably a good boy, especially when he’s asleep.” The boy and the girl had fun putting on the mortar, and Pres. Hinckley then asked anyone else to come up who wanted to try their hand at it. As they did, he asked the choir to sing our second number, “Redeemer of Israel.” It’s a great arrangement of the hymn, with a six part a Capella section for the men. When we finished, President Hinckley thanked us several times. I believe he was quite touched by our rendition. He then said, “Well, we’re going back into the Temple now.” And, almost as an afterthought, he said, “I’m not sure where you’re going...” With that, the group departed the cornerstone area and reentered the Temple to participate in the first dedicatory session.
"Needless to say, we were all amazed at the energy and wit of our wonderful Prophet. We felt it was a great privilege to sing for him and for the Lord. Pres. Hinckley is a marvelous example of a man who can hold a position of great responsibility without becoming stuffy and serious all the time. I suppose that helps to emphasize even more the times when he is serious."
Thank you so much for leading us on an amazing musical journey. We love you and hope that the upcoming years are just as happy and fulfilling as they can be.
With my love and appreciation,
David Carlsen
I just can't thank you enough for the wonderful musical and spiritual experiences you have helped create for us in the Augusta Georgia Stake over the past 19 years. I've been sitting here trying to come up with the right words that express what the Stake Choir and musical performances under your direction have meant to me and it's hard because the memories just keep flooding in. There are so many: your unique blend of humor and serious direction that kept us men focused on the music (most of the time); the friendships we gained as we got to know people in the Stake we wouldn't have met otherwise; all the times I had to fight back tears during our performances because the Spirit was so strong; how our combined choir performance of "Faith in Every Footstep" at a regional conference was described as rivaling that of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; the light-hearted program of "Broadway" music where I learned that I could almost sing 2nd tenor; the Easter program that touched the hearts of one of my non-member co-workers; the somber performance after 9/11, where we were able to lift our spirits with music we didn't realize we had practiced for just that occasion; and, of course, our performance at the cornerstone ceremony for the Columbia South Carolina Temple. As part of my gratitude for your marvelous direction over the years, I thought I'd share what I wrote about our experience at the Temple:
"On Saturday, 16 October 1999, my wife, Fawn, and I arrived at 6:30 am to participate in the Cornerstone Choir (also known as the ‘outside choir’). The cornerstone ceremony was to take place about 8:00 am. It was a beautiful morning, even though Hurricane Irene was threatening to bring rain the next day. We practiced for about 45 minutes while the sound equipment was being set up, and had a devotional for the choir in a wonderful little courtyard on the east side of the Temple.
"After the devotional, we began gathering to our assigned place near the cornerstone. At about that time, we heard that President Hinckley was in the Temple with Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard. I was pretty nervous about the service but knew the Lord would bless us to perform well--we had been practicing hard for several weeks. (The hardest part for some was memorizing the music.) While we were waiting for the service to begin, the sun was just coming up and beginning to shine on the statue of Moroni. We all thought how appropriate it was for our first song, “The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee.” (The arrangement we sang was written for the Oakland Temple Dedication.)
Thank you so much for leading us on an amazing musical journey. We love you and hope that the upcoming years are just as happy and fulfilling as they can be.
With my love and appreciation,
David Carlsen
Friday, February 22, 2013
I have loved every minute!
Jackie,
I feel so blessed to have been a small part of the stake
choir and even a Christmas performance.
I never have felt like I sing very well, but I love how it helps me to
feel the spirit. You did a fabulous job
of helping us all feel the spirit in abundance with your selections and helping
us all pull together to sound wonderful.
Thank you for your incredible service to those of us who have
participated, as well as those who have listened to or watched performances
that you have orchestrated!
Candy Spencer
Jackie, You are such a beautiful influence on everyone around you. I feel so blessed to have been able to sing for you! Every time conference came around I would wait so eagerly for the chance to sing again- the gorgeous music, the feel of the choir around me, the swell and emotion of the voices, and your smile and laugh. We loved to joke and laugh, to work and sing, and bear our testimonies through our voices. I loved all of the music so much, but three come to my mind: How Great Thou Art, Come Come ye Saints, and This is the Christ. I absolutely sung with my whole heart each and every time, but these three brought tears to my eyes. I remember feeling completely choked up, finding it difficult to sing through them and seeing the same feeling mirrored in your eyes right back at us. Singing in the choir is a time out I take just for me, and an experience I will never forget. Thank you for all of your hard work (the MP3s prepared me perfectly for every practice), for the goodies (they were always yummy!), the smiles, the laughs, the hard work....and the blessings. I found some youtube recording links of my favorite songs.
I can worship the Lord my God through beautiful music and love doing it! Love and Hugs,
Deanna Jones
How Great Thou Art http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6fLxVyZKU8
This is the Christ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kORDnISun4
Come Come ye Saints http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB5tRONz8QU
I can worship the Lord my God through beautiful music and love doing it! Love and Hugs,
Deanna Jones
How Great Thou Art http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6fLxVyZKU8
This is the Christ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kORDnISun4
Come Come ye Saints http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB5tRONz8QU
Sister McArthur,
I am so glad I get a chance to say thank you for your talent, enthusiasm, and devotion to the stake music program. "Come Thou Fount" is one of my favorite hymns. However, I never thought I'd ever get to sing it. So, I consider it a tender mercy that not only did the stake choir perform it, but that I had all the rehearsal and stake conference Sundays off. I'd also like to thank you for the gift of your family. Not only have you sacrificed the time and attention of Bro. McArthur to the Stake we have enjoyed the friendships and talents of Aubree and David. Your family has been a blessing in countless ways to mine. Thank you. Now if only we could somehow do "I Saw Three Ships" with all the bells.
Sincerely,
David & Ruth Brosnahan Family
I am so glad I get a chance to say thank you for your talent, enthusiasm, and devotion to the stake music program. "Come Thou Fount" is one of my favorite hymns. However, I never thought I'd ever get to sing it. So, I consider it a tender mercy that not only did the stake choir perform it, but that I had all the rehearsal and stake conference Sundays off. I'd also like to thank you for the gift of your family. Not only have you sacrificed the time and attention of Bro. McArthur to the Stake we have enjoyed the friendships and talents of Aubree and David. Your family has been a blessing in countless ways to mine. Thank you. Now if only we could somehow do "I Saw Three Ships" with all the bells.
Sincerely,
David & Ruth Brosnahan Family
Jackie,
I am so thankful that Shellie Blake brought me to Stake Choir practice nearly 10 years ago. Each time I participated in the choir has been a spiritual experience for me. My favorite experience was your last conference that you directed - especially knowing that we were singing songs that Pres. McArthur had requested.
Thank you for all your years of dedication, prayerful preparation and providing our stake with beautiful music. You have been an example to me of someone who magnifies their calling.
I will miss working with you, but know you will magnify a new calling.
Love,
Laura Leseberg
I am so thankful that Shellie Blake brought me to Stake Choir practice nearly 10 years ago. Each time I participated in the choir has been a spiritual experience for me. My favorite experience was your last conference that you directed - especially knowing that we were singing songs that Pres. McArthur had requested.
Thank you for all your years of dedication, prayerful preparation and providing our stake with beautiful music. You have been an example to me of someone who magnifies their calling.
I will miss working with you, but know you will magnify a new calling.
Love,
Laura Leseberg
from Lorraine
Jackie,
Prior to living here, I participated in the Greenville 1st Ward Choir for many years, I loved being able to serve that way. I loved the way music would pop into my head during the day just like scripture, and would fill me with hope, strength, and fortify my testimony.
Since North Augusta's choir has been small, I really loved the way the stake choir is SO well-organized, SO well-planned, and I really cherish the times I got to sing under your direction.
My FAVORITE arrangement I sang with you was the final verse of How Firm a Foundation, to me it emitomizes the strength of this church = the love the members have for the Lord.
Looking forward to beautiful choirs forever & ever!
-sincerely,
Lorraine Mitton
Prior to living here, I participated in the Greenville 1st Ward Choir for many years, I loved being able to serve that way. I loved the way music would pop into my head during the day just like scripture, and would fill me with hope, strength, and fortify my testimony.
Since North Augusta's choir has been small, I really loved the way the stake choir is SO well-organized, SO well-planned, and I really cherish the times I got to sing under your direction.
My FAVORITE arrangement I sang with you was the final verse of How Firm a Foundation, to me it emitomizes the strength of this church = the love the members have for the Lord.
Looking forward to beautiful choirs forever & ever!
-sincerely,
Lorraine Mitton
Thanks sooooooooooooo much from the Guthrie Family! We have greatly appreciated your hard work and dedication to making our Stake Music Program what it is today! We have personally enjoyed participating with you in Stake Choir - truely a blessing for us! We wish you and your family much time together in the days, months, and years to come. The Guthrie's
Dear Jackie,
It has been wonderfully fulfilling both musically and spiritually to work with you through these years. I am so grateful to have been able to create truly great music with you and the choir. Your musical sense, dedication and hard work have created a moments in my life that I will always remember. I am trusting that this is not the end of music together but just a different direction. Thank you for all that you have done and for your inspiration.
Jennifer Bassett
It has been wonderfully fulfilling both musically and spiritually to work with you through these years. I am so grateful to have been able to create truly great music with you and the choir. Your musical sense, dedication and hard work have created a moments in my life that I will always remember. I am trusting that this is not the end of music together but just a different direction. Thank you for all that you have done and for your inspiration.
Jennifer Bassett
Wow! Has it really been 19 years? That's amazing and you are amazing Jackie. You have set such a high standard for musical performance in the Stake and provided wonderful musical experiences for so many. Thank you for the example you have set of dedicating your time and talents to the lord. Thank you for blessing the lives of so many and thank you for teaching me so much. Susan Wilson
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I am so glad to have the opportunity to say thank you, Jackie, for all the years of service. You are the best! Being involved in your choirs has been a wonderful experience. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I certainly hope you will still be involved to some degree with future stake music efforts. We can't afford to lose your talent. We love you and will miss your direction!
Rick McDonald
Rick McDonald
Stephen Duce
Jackie,
It has been a wonderful experience for me to have sung in the Stake Choir. My heart has been touched many times as we have sung the hymns and tears have flown freely. I'm thankful for your accepting Bro. Novak's recommendation so long ago to give me a chance to sing. I loved your enthusiasm, fun personality, and your knowledge as you encouraged us to perform at out best level.
May you continue to find joy in music and in future assignments in the Chuch.
Stephen
Jackie,
It has been a wonderful experience for me to have sung in the Stake Choir. My heart has been touched many times as we have sung the hymns and tears have flown freely. I'm thankful for your accepting Bro. Novak's recommendation so long ago to give me a chance to sing. I loved your enthusiasm, fun personality, and your knowledge as you encouraged us to perform at out best level.
May you continue to find joy in music and in future assignments in the Chuch.
Stephen
Jackie - THANKS
Jackie,
I have only been in the stake for a little less than 3 years (Keith Anderson & I moved in from Las Vegas to work on the Vogtle Electrical Generating Plant units). But, I have had the great opportunity to be in the Stake choir 3 or 4 times. It has been a fantastic experience not only because of the Spirit always felt in performing the Lord's music - but because of you.
You obviously LOVE music.
You are fun.
You know what arrangements will work.
I love you and wish you the best always.
Your brother,
Don Lee
Augusta Ward
I have only been in the stake for a little less than 3 years (Keith Anderson & I moved in from Las Vegas to work on the Vogtle Electrical Generating Plant units). But, I have had the great opportunity to be in the Stake choir 3 or 4 times. It has been a fantastic experience not only because of the Spirit always felt in performing the Lord's music - but because of you.
You obviously LOVE music.
You are fun.
You know what arrangements will work.
I love you and wish you the best always.
Your brother,
Don Lee
Augusta Ward
Love you, Sister McArthur!!
Jackie, I can't tell you how much singing in your choir meant to me. I always cherished being invited to do so, and I always looked forward to practices. You have the unique talent of teaching with the Spirit so that when the voices that you lead combine, it provides an overwhelming feeling that brings undeniable testimony! And you are SO entertaining and funny! I always found myself laughing at your sense of humor while tears were flowing from feeling the Spirit so strongly. I don't know how you pull that off, but you most certainly do! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the time and love and prayer that you dedicated to your calling in the Stake Music Program, for all of the lessons you taught through your careful selection of song, and your direction on how to deliver it. You are an amazing talent, a beautiful lady inside and out, and best of all, a kick to be around!!!! Just love you!
Love,
Erica Passey
Love,
Erica Passey
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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