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A crowd of several thousand poured into the Provo Tabernacle. They filled the wooden pews, the kind that are never quite comfortable but perfect for keeping you awake during a sermon. Above the main floor, a balcony wrapped around the perimeter of the long rectangular room. The middle was open from floor to ceiling, just like a concert hall. A hundred missionaries from across Utah Valley sat in front of the crowd on the rostrum. Behind them was the organ. Its gold-colored pipes spanned the back wall, perfectly symmetrical from top to bottom. During the day, sunlight streamed in through the many windows. On this evening in December 1998, generous lighting made the room glow for the missionary Christmas concert. Young missionary Dale Rhodes had organized the event, and he would perform. Aside from Dale and a few others, none of us had any notable musical talent. But in Utah Valley there’s no shortage of enthusiasm for Mormon elders and sisters whether they’re musical or not, so every seat was occupied.
So begins Justin Goodson’s “A Missionary Farewell” now in beautiful audio form as our Dialogue Out Loud #51. Listen in.