Jon Bailey and I are friends dating back to the early years of GALAS (Gays and Lesbians All Saints) in the mid-1980's. On the music faculty of Pomona College for many years, he approached me in the early 21st century about composing some pieces for the All Saints Choirs. Coventry Choir premiered his Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, and we talked about his writing a longer work. The 125th anniversary of the founding of All Saints was coming up in a couple years, and I suggested that might be a wonderful occasion for a new work. Who would write the text? For such a momentous occasion, Anne Peterson immediately came to mind. Many meetings later, a text was provided, and Jon composed this wonderful work.

This was an inspiring event, requiring huge amounts of planning and coordination. It was also one of the most successful collaborations with two large ministries at All Saints Church, as the Peace and Justice ministry — headed by Lori Kizzia — took on the major aspects of coordinating, leaving the music planning to the musicians! It was wonderful to have the diversity represented in the 6 choirs shine forth in the All Saints Church chancel.