The following article first appeared in the Covenanter Witness and is reprinted here by permission.
The psalmist declares, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High” (Psalm 92:1). It was indeed good to join with so many others for an uplifting evening of praise organised by the Psalmody Committee and hosted in the Assembly Buildings, Belfast, on Saturday 3rd May. From the moment we entered and received our carefully prepared booklets, it was clear that the Committee had invested great thought and prayer into organising a meaningful and well-structured evening of worship.
Due to the cancellation of the event in 2020, there was a renewed sense of anticipation and excitement for the evening. The hall was well filled with attendees from across the denomination and friends from other churches. It was particularly encouraging to see a significant number of children and young people participating with enthusiasm.
The evening was led by Rev. James Blair, who guided the congregation through our praise selections under the theme “Christ is All: His Life in the Psalms.” We sang ten Psalms together, each carefully selected to reflect a different aspect of the person and work of Christ—from creation, through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, to His ultimate purpose and reign. Mr Blair introduced each Psalm with a thoughtful reflection and a complementary New Testament reading, highlighting how the Psalms so beautifully and powerfully take us to Jesus Christ. Moreover, we were reminded of that awesome truth that Jesus himself learned and sang these songs in praise to the Father whilst he was on earth.
The singing was led by three excellent precentors—Messrs Hugh McCullough, Anselm McDonnell and Mrs Alison Graham—who each displayed their God-given musical ability to lead us in praise. Revs Philip Dunwoody and David McCullough opened and closed the evening in prayer.
It was the distinct practice of unaccompanied Psalm singing in public worship that initially drew my family and I to the Reformed Presbyterian Church. It was indeed a great joy to unite with so many other voices in singing the songs that God Himself has given to His people — songs that speak prophetically of Christ and that unite us with generations of believers who have sung these very same words in faith and praise.
As we left the Assembly Buildings that evening, there was a shared sense of gratitude; for the organization behind the event, for the fellowship enjoyed, and above all, for the Saviour who is the true subject of our songs. May this evening continue to bear fruit in our churches and in our hearts, inspiring us to deeper worship and greater love for Christ.
Gareth Orr
