In the King's Presence

Miriam Padusis sent this in:

I couldn't resist the invitation (with official ticket) to attend last Sunday's service "In the Presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall." It was quite impressive with all the notables, some Welsh and also Scots in their kilts, British officers, the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia, the First Troop Phila. City Cavalry, the guest choir, secret service,etc., etc. etc. Dr. George Clayton Ames (the minister) used the lectionary for the 4th Sunday after the Epiphany which included the Epistle lesson from I Cor. 12:31b - 13:13 ( read in Welsh with an English program for following). The hymns were all quite solid and familiar to our 'Tenth' ears. The benediction hymn though was "God Bless the Prince of Wales" and sung as the royal guests made their way to their motorcade. It was memorable.

Do we miss Tenth when any of us miss a Sunday? Of course. There we always feel we are in the presence of our King and hearing His Word. We miss Dr. Ryken's expository preaching and teaching as well as the congregational outreach. The Welsh influence in the singing at Arch Street was stupendous but when the Tenth congregation opens its soul in singing with Dr. Jones at the organ we are reminded that in heaven what a joyful time that will be. Sing all ye saints to the glory of His name!