This July I went to San Francisco for the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Over the years the conventions have become one of my favorite ways of reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and making new ones. I spent five full days immersed in church, organ and choral music. I participated in workshops and lectures on a variety of topics: improvisation, body awareness, fresh worship ideas, concert programming, music by underrepresented composers, choral and vocal rehearsal techniques, and many others.
I listened to exciting concerts in quite memorable venues: Grace Cathedral, St. Ignatius Church on the USF campus, numerous Presbyterian Churches (Calvary, Lakeside and Old First Pres in SF, First Pres in Oakland, St. John’s Pres in Berkeley), as well as Memorial Church in the heart of Stanford University. The San Francisco Bay Area is full of architecturally impressive houses of worship with quality music programs and pipe organs in them.
The SF culture was also seen through the multitude of worship experiences which were offered: Jewish worship in a historical Temple of Congregation Sherith Israel in SF (seen on the cover photo of this article); Roman Catholic worship in the church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Oakland; Episcopal worship at the Grace Cathedral; and African-American worship at the Third Baptist Church of SF.
The latter was led by passionate musicians, a preacher, and a small but mighty choir. The energy in the room created by an explosive combination of word and music was palpable, and we all eagerly participated. You can get a small taste of the service in the video below.
If you have never experienced what it is like to be in a church filled with organists and music directors who sing hymns with all their hearts and souls (and skills!), you are missing out on one of the most transformative worship experiences of your life.
But don’t fret! :) You will have a chance to experience it quite soon and close to home. In June 2025 the Phoenix chapter of the AGO is organizing the regional convention. Pinnacle will host an organ recital on our fabulous Sanctuary organ and the opening worship service of the convention. This will be your chance to come and join the best choir of all - experience the hymnody of the church in the most powerful way!
Meanwhile, enjoy a short snippet of the African-American worship service I took this July in San Francisco - the ending of Stephen F. Key’s Anthem “Thank You for Hearing Our Prayer”:
