Magnificat,or Thoughts on Singing in the Cathedral Choirfor Forty-odd Years

by Mary Gilbert Sieber

In the beginning
         was the Word set to music
Venite and Te Deum, Kyrie and Gloria
Bach, Britten, Poulenc, Palestrina
Hyfrydol and Lobe den Herren
descants in the dark of Easter
chimes in the dim of Christmas Eve

My soul doth magnify the Lord

Other particulars are these:
a galaxy of stained colors high on a wall
tidal marks of years in oaken sanctuary floor
needlepointed cushions, velvet kneelers, wooden lace
sermons heard backward, baptisms seen close
fanning and coughing and little upright naps
processional challenges in lining up
sideways telescoping into the Andrews Sisters
recessional glances of greeting
kaleidoscoping quartets
wretched Pauline beanies
the colors of purple and white
young relatives noisily doodling on service leaflets behind
          one's nervous back
festive rehearsals at old Camp Allen
Christmas parties, laughter-filled luncheons, Easter breakfasts
(oh, where are the grits of yesteryear)
marriages, births, deaths, departures and returns

My soul doth magnify the Lord

For this blest communion, fellowship divine
this blessed company, this community
(some are in Montrose and Massachusetts
          and some nearer yet to God) this chosen people,
this tunèd wind of God, this choir

My soul doth magnify the Lord

This canticle appeared in somewhat abridged form in Women's Uncommon Prayers, © 2000 by Council of Women's Ministries, Protestant Episcopal Church U.S.A. It is used here by permission of Morehouse Publishing.