On Saturday May 7, 2005, the Campus of Northwest University was a bee hive of activity. Among the events of the day, was a Hymn Sing for Alumni from the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. Fifteen singers from the decade of the 60's were on the platform with me to lead this delightful hour of old fashioned Gospel singing.
Featured in the one hour program were numerous old congregational hymns plus specials by Roy & Arlene Brewer, Anita Wheeler, The Witnesses Trio, Ron Drye, and a piano medley by Marshall Ellison. We were also honored to have Professor Amos Millard come to the platform and share a few personal reflections and a brief message of encouragement.
The choral group was made up of Roy & Arlene (Wheeler) Brewer, Anita (Benskin) Buchanan, Lola (Rice) Cain, Ron Drye, Lucy (Hafelfinger) Hartman, Diana (Savage) Kruger, Mary (Philp) McMullen, Rick & Cherie (Miller) Ruchty, Ray & Becki (Selig) Sparre, Ward & Jan (Eldred) Tappero, and Anita (Green) Wheeler. The musicians were Marshall Ellison on piano, Gary Liden on guitar, and Gary Pope on bass guitar.
Eunice Wheeler put together and operated a power point presentation which projected the words of all the hymns plus some fun pictures from the past. An audio CD has been created from a recording made of this event. CDs are available on a donation basis for anyone who would like one. Submit your request via email to: elvin@ehuston.com and we'll see that you receive a copy.
The tracks from the album are also embedded below for Online listening. You can select an individual track, or click TRACK 01 and allow the player to cycle through the entire program.
| TRACK | DUR | SUBJECT |
|---|---|---|
| Track 01 | (00:42) | The Alma Mater sung by the 60's Alumni Choral Group |
| Track 02 | (02:11) | "We're Marching to Zion" - Elvin Huston and 60's Choral group |
| Track 03 | (05:57) | Medley of Hymns - "I Stand Amazed", "God's Grace" , "Amazing Grace" - solo by Anita Wheeler |
| Track 04 | (04:17) | The Witnesses Trio sing, "Three Crosses / Love Like The Love of God" |
| Track 05 | (00:54) | Recognition of some Alumni present. Special honor to Genevieve Wheeler - class of 1938 |
| Track 06 | (03:00) | "O Glorious Love" sung by Roy & Arlene (Wheeler) Brewer |
| Track 07 | (03:07) | "Meeting in the Air" - Piano solo by Marshall Ellison followed by group sing |
| Track 08 | (05:05) | Medley - "Majesty", "The Old Rugged Cross", "O The Blood of Jesus", "How Great Thou Art" |
| Track 09 | (04:08) | Professor Amos Millard - some personal reflections |
| Track 10 | (10:21) | Ron Drye - "Thank You", Closing words, "Blessed Be The Tie" & "God Be With You" |