The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square recently celebrated a significant milestone: the 5,000th episode of “Music & the Spoken Word,” a long-standing program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This landmark event took place at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, drawing an audience of over 11,500 attendees. The program, which began on July 15, 1929, has endured nearly a century of cultural and societal changes, starting just before the Great Depression. Its impact and reach have made it a beloved fixture in the LDS community and beyond.
“Music & the Spoken Word” is recognized as the longest-running consecutive broadcast of its kind, with more than 6 million listeners tuning in weekly. Choir volunteer Heidi Swinton highlighted the program’s resilience through various hardships, including economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the choir’s role in offering hope and encouragement during troubling times, echoing sentiments expressed by Ronald Reagan when he referred to it as “America’s Choir.” The choir has continually fostered a sense of unity and strength among listeners, urging them to “lock arms and get through this.”
Warna Huff, a 101-year-old member of the LDS Church, reminisced about her experiences with the earliest broadcasts, recalling the powerful impact the music had on her life since she was just five years old. Her sentiment reflected a deep emotional connection that many listeners share—one that transcends generations. The program has become a staple in her life, viewed weekly as a source of comfort and inspiration. She appreciated the beauty of the music and its ability to meet emotional needs.
Church president Russell M. Nelson also shared fond memories of the show, recounting how he has listened to it for nearly his entire life. He stressed the importance of the program in shaping individuals’ spiritual experiences, noting that music serves as a universal language capable of communicating profound emotions that words alone may fail to capture. His reflections underscore the integral role that “Music & the Spoken Word” has played not only in his life but also in the religious practices of countless individuals.
The significance of this 5,000th episode is not merely a matter of numbers; it represents an “unprecedented achievement” for the choir and the wider community, highlighting its lasting legacy and global influence. The LDS Church’s statement reaffirmed the program’s importance in delivering uplifting messages, regardless of the circumstances facing society. As it approaches its centennial anniversary, the choir continues to impact lives, embodying an enduring spirit of resilience and hope.
In conclusion, the 5,000th episode of “Music & the Spoken Word” serves as a testament to the power of music and its ability to resonate across time and space. As it commemorates this remarkable milestone, the program stands as a beacon of light—a source of comfort and inspiration that has united generations. The collective experiences of listeners, including personal testimonies from notable members of the church, highlight the choir’s role in fostering a sense of community and shared faith amid the ups and downs of life. As the program continues, it remains optimistic about the future, promising to uplift and inspire for many more years to come.
