Stanger, Frank Bateman

English

Asbury Theological Seminary

Editorial . . .Willard R. Hallman: An AppreciationFrank Bateman StangerThe influence of music is seen primarily in the personalitiesand lives of those who come under its sway. Dr. Willard R. Hallmanis truly one whose total life has been influenced by the art to whichhe has devoted himself professionally. Naturally gracious, and richlyenhanced by the gifts of God's grace, Willard Hallman's personalityand character has been perfected by the power of music. He is oneof those **musical people who always seem to be happy." He fitsthe description of the musician: "His very foot has music in it ashe comes up the stairs."Music makes a person nobler and causes a Christian to becomemore saintly. It is "music that washes away from the soul the dustof everyday life." Addison wrote aptly: "Music wakes the soul andlifts it high and wings it with sublime desires, and fits it to bespeakthe Deity."Music must have its interpreter. One has reminded us that "thereis no truer truth obtainable by man than comes of music." But suchtruth in music must be interpreted by those who understand. Dr.Hallman is a superb interpreter of sacred music. His is the enlightened gift of helping others understand the rich meanings latent insuch music. He is particularly gifted in the interpretation of musicthrough choral presentations. To be reminded of this, one has but torecall the musical selections presented by the Seminary Singers andthe Seminary Chorus. The exquisite interpretation of Mueller's "TheLord's My Shepherd" imparted to the listener an awareness of theguiding presence of the Great Shepherd. Each rendition of "Christthe Lord is Risen Today" seemed like a contemporary resurrectionmorning. Bach's lovely "May God Smile on You" inspired one tocommit anew himself and his children to the compassionate care ofthe Heavenly Father.Music has its inspiration. Willard Hallman is an inspired musician. As a result, his life, his teaching, his conducting of musichave been an inspiration to others. He has inspired us to worshipthrough music. He has helped us to understand the relevance o^Martin Luther's words: "Next to theology I give to music the highestplace and honor." "Music is the art of the prophets." Likewise, weappreciate with a new freshness what Chateaubriand "meant when he6 Asbury Seminariandeclared that "music is the child of prayer, the companion of religion." With Carlyle we gladly confess that "music is the speech ofangels," and Chalmers voices our sentiments when he writes that"music is the language of praise."Willard Hallman is gifted as a leader of congregational singing.Many have paid him the high tribute of saying that they have neverknown a song leader who could so inspire others to sing.Oie has butto remember those thrilling occasions when he has led great congregations in the singing of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name,"to the tune of Diadem, and in the singing of "How Great Thou Art."Willard Hallman has also inspired seminarians in the realizationthat music is an indispensable tool of the Christian worker. Hostsof seminarians, under his influence, have gone to their chosen fieldsof labor with their personal and professional lives inspired by sacredmusic.Music makes its impact. I am thinking primarily of the impactof Willard Hallman's ministry of music upon Asbury TheologicalSeminary as an institution. He has helped to create the Seminary'simage in the contemporary religious world. He has insisted that themusic of evangelism also be of high quality. He has clearly demonstrated that classical sacred music and spiritual sanctity are entirely compatible. He has always demonstrated that dedication tothe highest includes the appreciation of the best. And such an institutional concept of music, inspired by this Greatheart of themusical arts, has made a profound contribution to the creation ofAsbury Theological Seminary's image in the contemporary world.We at Asbury Theological Seminary thank God for Willard R.Hallman. Dedicated saint, talented musician, gifted interpreter ofmusic, a constant inspiration to all who have shared in his life andteaching, we honor him for his tremendous contributions to the workand influence of Asbury Theological Seminary. The entire SeminaryFamily says "Thank you" to this Christian gentleman for an outstanding musical ministry magnificently performed."Music is a prophecy of what life is to be."(Child)"That heavenly music! what is it I hear?The notes of the harpers ring sweet in mine ear.And, see, soft unfolding those portals of gold,The king all arrayed in his beauty behold."(Muhlenberg)

Editorial: William R. Hallman: An Appreciation

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2012&amp;context=asburyjournal

Editorial: William R. Hallman: An Appreciation

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