A Resounding Success: Recapping the 49th Annual Mississippi Conference on Church Music & Liturgy
The Chapel of the Cross in Madison, Mississippi, was alive with music, prayer, and fellowship from July 23-28, as we hosted the 49th annual Mississippi Conference on Church Music & Liturgy. Under the theme "Empower Us For The Work of Ministry," conferees from across the region gathered for a week of deep learning, spirited rehearsal, and profound worship.
We are immensely grateful to the clergy, staff, and people of The Chapel of the Cross for their gracious hospitality, making us feel welcome in their beautiful sacred spaces.
A Week of Music, Learning, and Fellowship
The week was a rich tapestry of activities, blending disciplined practice with inspirational sessions and community building. Our distinguished faculty—The Rev. Erika Takacs, Mr. Matthew Michael Brown, Mr. Dwight Thomas, and The Rev. Jennifer M. Deaton—guided us through a journey of musical and spiritual growth.
Highlights of the week included:
Engaging Workshops: Mtr. Takacs led a powerful three-part series, "The Pity of War," exploring Benjamin Britten's War Requiem. Meanwhile, Dwight Thomas shared practical wisdom in "Being Prepared for Rehearsal," and Matthew Brown inspired us with his session on "Developing your music program."
Stirring Worship: Our daily worship, from Morning Prayer to Compline, formed the spiritual backbone of the conference. The week's liturgical journey was beautifully framed by two public services.
The Rose Hill Cabaret: A beloved tradition returned as "Back from Exile," offering a night of laughter, talent, and delightful fun as conferees let their hair down for an unforgettable Saturday evening.
Sacred Music in Service: Evensong and Eucharist
The conference's musical efforts culminated in two magnificent services that were open to the public.
On Thursday, we traveled to the beautiful St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Jackson for a sublime service of Evensong, commemorating St. James the Apostle. The choir, under the direction of Matthew Brown, filled the sanctuary with harmonies from Roland E. Martin's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, and Henry Balfour Gardiner's haunting "Evening Hymn."
On Sunday, we returned to the Chapel of the Cross for a festive Eucharist for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. The service, accompanied by a brass ensemble, was a glorious celebration, featuring works by William Mathias, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and James Whitbourn. The Rev. Erika Takacs preached a moving sermon that connected the miracle of the loaves and fishes to our own call to be empowered for ministry.
Relive the Music:
We are delighted to share recordings of these beautiful services. Click below to listen:
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
The Mississippi Conference is a volunteer-run labor of love, and its success is thanks to the dedicated Staff and Board, our incredible faculty, and every single participant who brought their voice and passion to Madison.
We also remember with gratitude those in the church music community whom we have lost, and we honored the memories of Dorothy Kenna Brasfield and Alderman Terry P. Johnson during our week together.
As we close the book on a wonderful 49th conference, we are already looking forward with anticipation to next year—our 50th anniversary! Plans are underway for a spectacular celebration of a half-century of empowering church musicians in Mississippi and beyond. Stay tuned for details!
Save the Date for our 50th Annual Conference: July 2025!
