How great thou Art

"How Great Thou Art" is one of those foundational hymns that seems to gather the whole church's voice the moment the first notes sound. It begins with a quiet, personal awe—looking up at the stars or listening to the rolling thunder—and builds into a massive declaration of God's majesty. For a choir, the verses offer a wonderful opportunity to shape the dynamics, starting gently with the wonders of nature and swelling as the text moves toward the cross and the final hope of heaven.

We often bring this out for Thanksgiving, recessional processions, or any Sunday when the readings focus on creation and redemption. The refrain is pure, soaring praise. When the congregation joins in on "Then sings my soul," the harmony naturally opens up, filling the nave with a profound sense of shared faith and gratitude. It is a piece that reminds us exactly why we sing.