By Connie Ballenger
The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ suffering and dying on the cross provoke great sorrow among Christians. For many, this drama becomes an even more profound emotional and spiritual experience when it is presented through music.
On Apr. 7, 2023 (Good Friday), this story was set to music in majestic fashion when a 70-member chorus, three soloists, and a chamber orchestra presented Theodore Dubois’ “The Seven Last Words of Jesus” in Glen Mar’s dimly lit Spirit Center. Glen Mar’s Music Director Dr. Sophie Hong directed this cantata. Three hundred fifty-two people were present for the one-hour service. Many more watched it live streamed online.
The evening started with a solemn prelude featuring a live instrumental performance of “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” Glen Mar Lead Pastor Mandy Sayers welcomed attendees and led the Call to Worship. Then the musicians, aided by a few people with speaking or crying parts, began their performances.
The soloists – Wendy Baird, John Fritz, and Tom Green – are congregation members who often lend their singing voices to our services. The chamber orchestra consisted of musicians playing the bassoon, cello, clarinets, double bass, flute, harp, horns, organ, percussion, oboe, timpani, trombones, trumpet, viola, and violins.
“The Seven Last Words of Christ” were actually seven phrases that Jesus spoke at his crucifixion. The first phrase was “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Among the special effects enhancing the production were hammering sounds, flickering lights, a wooden cross draped with black material, and a silent Roman soldier re-enactor.
At the end of the service, Pastor Sayers gave attendees the opportunity to stay to meditate and to place flowers and palm branches at the base of a large wooden cross as symbols of their devotion.
This service of worship was offered to the glory of God in memory of Estelle King and Terri H. Rohr and to simply say, “Thank you, Jesus!”
Attendees commented on the caliber of the cantata. Phyllis Cook said, “The music was great. I enjoyed the voices and instruments and how they came together.”
Longtime Glen Mar member Carol Carew thought the production was “amazing” and that the three soloists were “better than professional singers.”
Others expressed how the production impacted them. Dan Foeckler said the production was “inspirational and touched my soul.” Linda Rhoad of Silver Spring commented, “It moved me to think of being at the cross and hearing Jesus, John, and Mary. It made me cry.” Linda was there with her son, Frank Rhoad, who attends Glen Mar regularly.
Although the cantata ended with the seventh phrase, “It is finished,” Christians know that the story was not completed on Good Friday. It ended gloriously when Jesus triumphed over death at Easter, saving all who want to follow him from their sins.
