The Territorial band recently took part in a wonderful weekend celebrating the 125 year Anniversary of the Atlanta Temple corps. 

The band was featured with the Territorial Songsters on Friday night at a 'Festival of Praise.' A lively program included "Fanfare of Praise" (Redhead), Cornet feature "Heralds of Victory" (Holz), "The Triumph of Peace" (Ball) and an energetic new composition by former Atlanta Temple soldier Dr. Steven Kellner - "Mighty Fortress."   Steve also delighted the congregation with an exquisite performance of William Himes' Euphonium solo: "Journey into Peace."

Saturday morning included massed band rehearsals with alumni of Atlanta Temple band.  Special guest James Curnow and former Territorial Bandmaster Dr. Richard Holz led the proceedings.  It is worth noting that bandsmen and women of Atlanta Temple Corps have also been members of the Territorial band over many years. 

Saturday evening's Festival of Thanksgiving included music from the Alumni band: "Light of the world", "Crown of Conquest", "How sweet the name", and the alumni Songsters - Commissioner Kellner conducting his classic arrangement; "All for Thee."

The second half of the program featured music composed by Atlanta Temple soldiers past and present.   The Territorial Songsters featured Chris Priest's "Wonderful Healer" and a new composition by Robert Snelson "Psalm 24".   The band played an arrangement of "All for Thee" by Commissioner Kellner's son, Dr. Steven Kellner; a specially written selection by James Curnow "Sing for Joy" featuring songs of one time Atlanta Temple soldier Sidney Cox; and  a cracking new march by Andrew Barrington: "Atlanta Temple 125."

The concert concluded with James Curnow's "Great Salvation War" aided by the Territorial Songsters and a multi media presentation including video and images from the Atlanta Temple corps history. 

The Territorial band joined forces with Atlanta Temple band on Sunday morning in a wonderful celebratory Holiness meeting including Curnow's "Guardian of our way" and concluding with "O Boundless Salvation" and Bill Gordon's "God be with you 'till we meet again."

It was a wonderful weekend to be part of, honoring the past and firmly looking forward to the future.  Some of the music featured during the weekend will be recorded on the Territorial band's next CD: War in Peace - due for release in May 2016.