All of my memories of peace and comfort are associated with St. Paul's Church in S.F. where I grew up. From the day I walked in there to find out what time Easter Sunday services were and met Father Mark Marks, who was vacuuming the floor, to the day Father Tom Seagrave baptised my oldest daughter even though D and I weren't married. Peace in my turbulent life could always be found in those pews, in the choir loft, in the rectory. Thank God for that oasis in the desert of my childhood. Some days I miss that palpable presence of God. Not that I never feel it, but this place was a true dwelling for my Father. Anytime I was lost, afraid, alone I could come here and feel Him all around me.
I started singing on the choir there when I was just 9. The youngest member of a very professional, well rehearsed and well led, Catholic Choir. Some of our members were chosen along with our Choir Master, to present before the Pope when he came to S.F. It was an unimaginable honor for some. For me it was just another chance to sing out loud for people who actually wanted to hear me.
There are yet, after 20+ years, a few of the songs we used to sing that have stayed with me. I don't know if it is the Spirit in which we used to sing them or if it just the Spirit of the song that touches me, either way I know it is Spirit, and therefore Truth :) In honor of that Spirit, which I first met within these walls I share this with you.
Sing a new song unto the Lord
Let your song be sung from mountains high
Sing a new song unto the Lord
Singing Alleluia
Yahweh's people dance for joy
O come before the Lord
And play for Him on glad tambourines
And make the nations move
Sing a new song unto the Lord
Let your song be sung from mountains high
Sing a new song unto the Lord
Singing Alleluia
The Sanctuary at St. Pauls
A view from Church Street, where i grew up. The spires mean a lot to us, kind of a beacon of the peace that can be found within.
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