SECOND PRESBYTERIAN
Touring Choir
CHURCH
MAY 28–JUNE 10, 2025
DR. MICHELLE LOUER, CONDUCTOR
Welcome from Rev. Chris Henry, Senior Pastor
Established in 1838 by a small band of faithful souls in the new frontier town of Indianapolis, Indiana, Second Church has, from the very beginning, been a congregation whose ministry is interwoven with the life of the city and the call of the Spirit to serve. Our founding pastor, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, was a leading proponent of New School Presbyterianism, a high-profile abolitionist, and an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln. He was an advocate of the arts, establishing the first church choir in Indianapolis with his brother Charles as director.
In our time, Second seeks to be a place of communal worship, spiritual renewal, faithful discipleship, compassionate care, and prophetic action. Our ministries are responsive to God’s call to seek the welfare of the city where we have been sent, caring for body, mind, and soul in palpable and powerful ways for over 185 years.
In 2024-2025, our congregation has explored ways to live into the prophet Isaiah’s description of faithful living –“you will be called repairers of the breach.” Mindful of the impact of polarization and deepening divisions, our intent is to be a place of trusting relationships, intentional listening, and collective action for the common good. We believe that the voice of God can be found in the voices of our neighbors and our purpose in serving all God’s children.
The Music and Fine Arts Ministry of Second Presbyterian Church is a treasure within our congregation – a source of inspiration, community, spiritual formation, and outreach. We are so grateful for the privilege of sharing the gifts of sacred music and art with our neighbors near and far. We are building partnerships that deepen faith and cross divides. We embrace this opportunity to unite with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the beautiful country of South Africa.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TOURING CHOIR
Sample Concert Program
SOUTH AFRICA 2025
God’s light shall break forth like the dawn. You shall call, and the Lord will answer. Your light shall rise in the darkness. The Lord will guide you continually. You shall be called the repairer of the breach.
Grounded in the worship of God and faithfully following God’s command to love and serve, each of us is a part of God’s healing in our world.
This Place – Will Todd (b.
Staff Singers
ENCORE AS NEEDED
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika – Traditional TOTAL: @ 60min + commissioned work for tour by Frank Felice
Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit – Spiritual/arr. William Dawson (1899-1990)
We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace – Spiritual /arr. Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
Texts and Translations
My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentations; I hear the real though far-off tune that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear its music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
How Can I Keep From Singing? – Robert Lowry (1826-1899)/ arr. Sarah Quartel (b. 1982)
I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin; I see the blue above it, and day by day the pathway smooths since first I learned to love it. The peace of love makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing; all things are mine in love and joy! How can I keep from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth, it liveth. And though the darkness ‘round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging. Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Text: Anonymous
The Glory of the Father – Egil Hovland (1924-2013)
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. We beheld the glory of the Father, Full of grace and truth.
In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. He came to His own, and His own received Him not.
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. We beheld the glory of the Father, Full of grace and truth.
Text: John 1:14-18; 1-3
The Word Was God – Rosephanye Powell (b. 1962) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.
Text: John 1:1-3
All things were made by Him; And without Him was not anything made that was made.
Texts and Translations
I want Jesus to walk with me. I want Jesus to walk with me. All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me. When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me. When my head is bowed in sorrow, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me. When my heart is almost breaking, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
Text: Anonymous
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – Spiritual/arr. Alice Parker (1925-2023)
Let My Love Be Heard – Jake Runestad (b. 1986)
Angels, where you soar Up to God’s own light, Take my own lost bird On your hearts tonight; And as grief once more Mounts to heaven and sings, Let my love be heard Whispering in your wings.
Text: Alfred Noyes
Chorus:
Daniel, Daniel – Undine Smith Moore (1904-1989)
Oh, the king cried, “Oh, Daniel, Daniel, oh! Daniel, Daniel, oh! That Hebrew Daniel, Servant of the Lord!”
Among the Hebrew nation, One Hebrew Daniel was found. They put him in the lion's den. He stayed there all night long. Chorus Now the king in his sleep was troubled, And early in the morning he rose, To find God sent His angels down, To lock the lion's jaws! Chorus
Text: from Daniel 6
Texts and Translations
O Radiant Dawn – James MacMillan (b. 1959)
O radiant dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Isaiah had prophesied, ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.’ Amen.
Text: Origin unknown
Yonder Come Day – Georgian Sea Islands/arr. Paul John Rudoi (b. 1985)
Oh day, yonder come day. Day done broke inna my soul, yonder come day. Good mornin’ day, yonder come day. A brand new day, yonder come day. Oh come on child,
Oh come on child, Steal away to Jesus. I ain’t got long to stay here. Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home.
Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name… Oh my Lord, what shall I do?
Text: Origin unknown
Oh day, yonder come day. I was on my knees, yonder come day. When I heard him say, yonder come day.
Refrain:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a soul like me. I found myself in trouble; I could not sing, oh, I was wallowing when I found myself in trouble. Refrain I got no one left to blame. Oh, how could I sing, when I was wallowing? as I hung my head in shame? Refrain
How Sweet the Sound – Kyle Pederson (b. 2016)
Grace on grace we have all received when the Son sets you free you are free indeed.
Oh day, yonder come day. Good mornin’ day, yonder come day. A brand new day, yonder come day. Oh come on child, yonder come day. Day done broke inna my soul, Yonder come day.
I don’t want to be afraid no more! I don’t want to be ashamed no more! I don’t want to hang my head no more! Oh, I am free indeed!
Rise and walk, hang your head no more; when the Son sets you free you are free indeed. Refrain
Oh, I am covered by His grace. Oh, I am covered, Lord! Refrain
Text: Kyle Pederson (inspired by John Newton’s Amazing Grace)
Texts and Translations
Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Spiritual/arr. Roy Ringwald (b. 1910-1995)
Precious Lord, take my hand, bring me home though the night. Through the dark, through the storm, to Thy light. I have been to the mount, I have seen the Promised Land: Precious Lord, take my hand.
Precious, Lord, take my hand, bring Thy child home at last, Where the strife and the pain all are past. I have dreamed a great dream that Thy love shall rule our land; Precious Lord, take my hand.
Precious Lord, take my hand, take Thy child unto Thee, With my dream of a world that is free. For that day when all flesh joins the glory Thou hast planned, Precious Lord, take my hand.
Text: Joyce Merman
Ubi Caritas – Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978)
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Amen.
Text: Paulinus of Aquileia (796)
Where charity and love are, God is there. The love of Christ has gathered us together. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us revere and love the living God. And from a sincere heart, let us love one another. Amen.
Alleluia – Elaine Hagenberg (b. 1979)
Alleluia. All shall be Amen and Alleluia. We shall rest, and we shall see. We shall see, and we shall know. We shall know, and we shall love. Behold our end which is no end.
Text: St. Augustine (354-430)
Texts and Translations
In This Place – Will Todd (b. 1970)
In this place I have been made new; I have been gifted jewels beyond price. In this place greater dreams are given; I am made everlasting.
In this place I am light, In this place, in Your sight I am made everlasting.
In Your love, starting and ending; I will be carried softly to heaven.
Text: Will Todd
In Your love I am given beauty; I am made everlasting.
You give the strength for me to hold, You are the hope that shines like gold. In this place I am new. In this place I am true.
I will fly with angels to this place And be made everlasting.
Ngothando kuphela,
Ngothando – Mbuso Ndlovu (b.1982)
Through love, only, Sonqoba konke, We will conquer everything; Izimo zonke, All situations, Azinakusigwinya. Cannot swallow (devour) us. Sivul’ iinhliziyo zethu,
Text: Mbuso Ndlovu
Let us open our hearts, Singesabi lutho, And let us fear nothing, Ngothando…
Nearer, My God, to Thee – Mark Patterson (b.1969)
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Though, like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest is found; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
There, let the way appear steps unto heav’n; All that thou sendest me in Thy mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Text: Sarah Flower Adams (1841)
Texts and Translations
Mangisondele Nkosi Yam – arr. Michael Barrett
Mangisondele kuwene Nkosi Noma
Be nearer (to me) my Lord. Ngiqhutshwa inhlupego Nkosi
Even when I suffer Lord Ngingathokoza
And when in pain, Ngiphinde ngithi nge
Ungisondeze Nkosi kuwe manje.
Noma ngehlelwa Ngokubi Nkosi Ngilel’
I am (still) happy.
Let me be near to You, my Lord.
Even if bad things happen, Lord. Etsheni ngihlupheka Nkosi
Njalo ngingathi nje
If suffering occurs, Lord, Emaphushweni
In my dreams
I will always believe, so Ungisondeze Nkosi kuwe manje.
TOTAL: @ 60 minutes
Let me be near to you, my Lord. Amen! Hallelujah!
So be it! Praise God!
Second Presbyterian Church Touring Choir
SOPRANO ALTO TENOR BASS
Carol Baker
Stephanie Carowan
Cindy Colter
Bonnie DeLong
Meaghan Ratliff
Kathy Steinberg
Caitlin Stewart
Estella Bryans
Judith Cecil
Karen Cunningham
Carolyn Dederer
Jenny Gaha
Emily Giesel
Hope Hagen
Christy Michele
Cynthia Pauloski
Kay Phelps
Anna Ratliff
Cameron Ratliff
Mitzi Westra
Lynn Yates
John Allegar Marshall Bryans
Matt DeLong
Frank Felice
David Hoegberg
Joe Jencks
Jared Slothower Patrick Pauloski
Karl Snider
Keith Phelps
Tom Woo
About the Sanctuary Choir of Second Presbyterian Church
The Music and Fine Arts Department features the 80-voice Sanctuary Choir, semi-professional Beecher Singers, a Children’s Choir program, Handbell Ensemble and an intergenerational wind ensemble. Second holds a sizeable, permanent collection of paintings, textile art, and sculpture, and maintains year-round, rotating exhibits in the church’s three galleries.
The Sanctuary Choir, comprised of volunteers and eight staff singers, under the direction of Dr. Michelle Louer, provides weekly musical leadership for Second’s worship services, presenting sacred music encompassing the breadth of the choral repertoire. They also regularly participate in outreach efforts to local hospitals, food pantries, and retirement communities.
In its Sacred Arts Series, the Sanctuary Choir frequently performs oratorio and other major and commissioned works with professional orchestras, notably the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, members of the Indianapolis Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. They have also toured internationally to England, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Greece.
A deep and abiding faith grounds the Sanctuary Choir in love for God, for each other, and for the world-at-large. The choir believes that each anthem and hymn they sing is imbued with God’s Spirit and speaks to the places in our hearts and lives where words alone cannot. They lift each other up through prayer and action. They seek to be repairers of the breach through their music and their being.
About the Director and Conductor, Dr. Michelle Louer
Michelle Louer serves as Director of Music and Fine Arts at Second Presbyterian Church, where she leads a comprehensive program of vocal and instrumental music, education, outreach, and performance, as well as a vibrant Fine Arts area that includes local and national exhibitions.
A frequent collaborator with musicians from the Indianapolis Symphony, Chamber, and Baroque Orchestras, Louer has also worked with internationally renowned artists such as André Watts, Alan Bennet, and Christina Pier. Louer has also served as adjunct professor at Butler University and
Louer’s vocal and instrumental ensembles are known for their artistic precision and expression. Her performance of Messiah with Second’s semi-professional chamber choir and the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra was regarded as “insightful and fully expressive.” (jayharveyupstage.blogspot 12/23/2018). Their second collaboration was touted as “Messiah mastery…with the 15-voice choir and the 18-piece orchestra working seamlessly together.” (jayharveyupstage.blogspot 12/09/2019).
As artistic director and conductor of the Lafayette Bach Chorale, her presentation of Haydn’s The Seasons was hailed as “one of their most exquisite and sensuous performances: both aurally and visually. Under the baton of Artistic Director Michelle Louer, the blend, balance, and overall execution of this challenging piece was near sublime.” (Lafayette Journal & Courier 2/23/2013). The Chorale’s performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana was hailed as a “stellar performance…which the singers carried off in high style and exquisite musicianship.” (Lafayette Journal and Courier 4/16/2011).
Louer holds the Doctor of Music degree in choral conducting from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, as well as a Master of Music and Master of Divinity from Yale University, summa cum laude, and the Bachelor of Music in piano and church music, magna cum laude, from Stetson University.
A strong belief in the power of music tocreate community and draw diverse people together for the well-being of our world is foundational to Louer’s work at Second and in the community.
About the Accompanist Dr. John Allegar
Dr. John Allegar is the organist and assistant director of music and fine arts at Second Presbyterian Church. He coordinates and schedules soloists and instrumentalists; maintains the church’s keyboard instruments; accompanies the Sanctuary Choir, and leads worship. John assists with the planning and implementation of the Sacred Arts Series and general supervision of Second’s music program. He received the Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in organ performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music; holds a master’s degree from Yale University; and graduated summa cum laude from Valparaiso University (Phi Beta Kappa). John is a member of the American Guild of Organists and is the accompanist for the Indianapolis Arts Chorale.
