In addition to continuing since 1929, Music & the Spoken Word, a weekly program aired from Salt Lake City, has, even more astonishingly, not changed. The announcer’s kind greeting, a three-minute motivational speech, and a few songs sung by the Tabernacle Choir—once known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir—at Temple Square are all included.
It appears that no changes are necessary to the program’s nearly century-old 30-minute formula, as its organizers refer to it, in order to attract an audience. To film the show’s 5,000th episode, about 11,000 people gathered in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ vast conference hall on July 13.
Ron Christensen, 71, who sat close to the front with his wife, said, “The show has always been a part of my life.” This is where I used to go on dates. His mother, Lela Christensen, 98, was being celebrated as the choir’s oldest surviving alumni. She had been a member from 1964 to 1987 (with a few pauses for childrearing).
The show has been on the air every week since practically the dawn of commercial radio, so the 5,000 figure does not adequately convey its endurance. Despite celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a grandiose prime-time special, Saturday Night Live has failed to reach 1,000 episodes. A meager 790 has been created by America’s longest-running sitcom, The Simpsons.
More than 2,000 radio and television stations worldwide currently broadcast what began as a live, local broadcast that was caught by the organist’s son standing on a ladder and carrying a microphone toward the choir. A Spanish-language edition and a behind-the-scenes podcast are examples of more recent endeavors.
Michael O. Leavitt, a former Utah governor who was elected choir president in 2021, stated, “We see the choir as a worldwide asset of the church.” Mr. Leavitt has taken steps to increase the choir’s digital audience and global reach, partly by speeding up international travel, as the church’s membership is growing abroad while declining in the US.
Since the beginning, the church has sponsored the event because it sees it as a ministry rather than a business. Volunteers make up the majority of those working on the production, including the host and choir members.
According to Matthew S. Holland, the ecclesiastical head of the church’s communications division, it is the public gem of the organization. We hope that the world will realize who we truly are at the conclusion of this decade.
Early instances of severe persecution are part of the church’s very short history, and preconceived notions and misconceptions about the organization still exist. In 2008, when churchgoer Mitt Romney emerged as the Republican presidential candidate, a survey revealed that just over half of Americans had a positive opinion of Latter-day Saints, which was the same as that of Muslims and more than 20 points lower than that of Jews and Catholics.
The church views a number of significant events in the upcoming decade as chances to reintroduce its beliefs. After years of extensive renovations, the Salt Lake City temple is scheduled to reopen in 2027. After celebrating its bicentennial in 2030, the chapel will serve as an unofficial background for the second Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City four years later.
But first, a celebration of a program that has been a staple in Latter-day Saint homes for generations with its tight harmonies and unwavering optimism.
Hearing 360 sopranos, altos, tenors, baritones, and basses merge their voices is indescribably emotional to many fans. Men stand stage left in suits and matching ties, while women stand stage right in matching outfits that were made in-house until recently. For choral singers, who typically strive to produce tall vowels, such as pronouncing “bird” as “buhd,” being told to grin presents a hurdle.
Many members have wanted to sing here since they were young. The 39-year-old Preston Tenney grew up in Taylor, Arizona, a tiny town with a significant Latter-day Saint population and musical culture, listening to the choir.
Mr. Tenney was delighted by the new sound when the choir added an orchestra in 1999. I thought, “I think I want to do this when I get older,” at that precise moment.
Mr. Tenney is in his eleventh year as a baritone and currently works as a school psychologist in Lehi, Utah. He has performed in Carnegie Hall, Germany, and the Philippines. He met his wife, Rachel, in the choir. When Mrs. Tenney received a breast cancer diagnosis six months into her marriage, the choir stood with the pair and gave her a standing ovation upon her return from medical leave.
The nicest part, Mrs. Tenney recalled, was when Mack Wilberg, the choir’s longstanding music director, paused and allowed it to happen. Rehearsal is never interrupted by Mack.
Starting with a nine-month audition procedure that involves a written test of musical talents, the choir has high expectations. Members must be Latter-day Saints in good standing with the church and reside within 100 miles of Salt Lake City. They have to retire at age 60 or after 20 years, whichever comes first. Every year, up to 300 people apply for about 50 slots.
There are currently 5 million weekly listeners of Music & the Spoken Word across radio, television, and streaming. Fans in Salt Lake City are familiar with Mr. Wilberg, even though the show is a niche interest in most locations. The first words of the program, “From the Crossroads of the West, we welcome you to Temple Square in Salt Lake City,” can even be repeated by those who left the church years ago.
When Latter-day Saint authorities officially condemned multiple marriage in the late 19th century, the choir—which had been founded in 1847—became a vital part of the church’s image. According to Jake Johnson, an Oklahoma City University historian who has written about the function of music in the church, the singers’ spotless appearance and approachable repertoire served as evidence that Latter-day Saints belonged firmly in the American mainstream.
According to Dr. Johnson, choral singing in particular conveys the idea that I can emulate you since I can harmonize with you. It’s a huge metaphor for American belonging.
It also distinguishes Latter-day Saints from many Protestants today. Smaller worship teams have frequently taken the place of choirs in major evangelical churches. These teams use sound systems to play modern music with Christian lyrics, overwhelming any congregation members who dare to join in.
Derrick Porter, who took over as the show’s fourth host last year, likes to note that he has only been in roughly 1% of the show’s history to far.
In a video presentation launching the show during the 5,000th episode celebration, Mr. Porter stated that the broadcast’s goal has not altered despite the world’s changes. A free broadcast of thirty minutes of peace to the entire world.
Many audience members were wiping away tears as the choir sang beloved songs like “Consider the Lilies,” which contained lyrics about the precious, innocent youngsters who must endure hardship on our planet. For the final few songs, which included the choir’s signature Battle Hymn of the Republic, hundreds of its alumni were invited to the stage. As they sang, some leaned on one another and clasped arms. Naturally, they also grinned.