Beautiful Anthem

It may shock some to discover that Fr. John Wesley disliked the use of anthems in worship because he greatly preferred songs that the entire congregation could sing. Most Methodist churches have come to embrace anthems (in addition to lots of good congregational singing, of course), as opportunities for the congregation to listen and to meditate upon the words and the heavenly sound of the music. For many of us, this is a deeply important aspect of our spirituality as Christians (as is congregational singing).

In the video below, a choral ensamble sings at the beautiful (and huge) First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, Tx. This is anthem, "Almighty and Most Merciful Father" (by William Harris) was sung at an evening Vespers service.