Friday, September 24, 2010
Reliving the Dedication at FOT 2010
The Behind the Work film showed the Dedication weekend events. That was nice to review them. I hope they do a DVD of it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Auditorium in the News
2/7/12 OklaVision
Interview with Brad Macdonald, Brent Nagtegaal and Shane Granger about archeological exhibition.
http://www.oklavision.tv/#/home/search/SEALS
12/12/10 newsok.com
Oklahoma philanthropist Mary Nichols, concert pianist Andre Watts finally meet 48 years after his celebrated New York debut.
EDMOND — On Dec. 5, the Armstrong International Foundation welcomed concert pianist Andre Watts for a recital at the recently opened Armstrong Auditorium. In the audience was Oklahoma native Mary Nichols. In January 1963, Nichols had attended the New York Philharmonic concert that launched Watts’ career.
Armstrong Foundation Chairman Gerald Flurry looks on as local resident Mary Nichols meets pianist Andre Watts.Photo provided
Leonard Bernstein, then music director of the New York Philharmonic, tapped Watts to fill in for an ailing Glenn Gould. Just 16 years old at the time, Watts proceeded to captivate the audience with his reading of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major.
“Bernstein came out and said Gould was sick but that he wanted to introduce his protege,” Nichols recalled. “He went on for four or five minutes about how impressed he was with this teenager, and then out came this skinny young man!”
After being a fan of Watts’ playing for the past 47 years, Nichols finally was able to meet the celebrated pianist. In the auditorium’s green room after the concert, Watts joined Armstrong Foundation Chairman Gerald Flurry in welcoming Nichols backstage.
Watts’ all-Liszt recital at Armstrong Auditorium will be broadcast Jan. 2 on classical music radio station KCSC-FM 90.1. [http://www.kcscfm.com/]
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-philanthropist-mary-nichols-concert-pianist-andre-watts-finally-meet-48-years-after-his-celebrated-new-york-debut./article/3522624#ixzz17ttTIXlo
11/12/10 edmondsun.com
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
EDMOND — Joined by members of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, Armstrong Auditorium had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of their new facility. Armstrong International Cultural Foundation’s performing arts series is to champion Oklahoma as a world-class center for the arts by bringing monumental cultural experiences to the Heartland of America. The magnificent facility is at 14400 S. Bryant. For more information including tickets visit www.armstrongauditorium.org.
9/10/10 theTrumpet.com
Incomparably Magnificent
By Stephen Flurryhttp://www.thetrumpet.com/index.php?q=7468.6048.0.0
9/8/10 theTrumpet.com
Armstrong Auditorium Opens
By Joel Hilliker
http://thetrumpet.com/index.php?q=7463.6041.0.0
9/7/10 NewsOK.com
God in the Details
Here are some of the exceptional incidents (miracles) that I found out about that showed God's hand in details and in making every dollar stretch further.
Shane Granger had put the catering out for bid and several caterers were came to the meeting. The average price quoted was $10 per head for wine and cheese which is pretty pricey when you're catering for over 800 people. There was one caterer that was pretty quiet during the meeting. Afterwards that caterer called Mr Granger and said that she felt this event should really be catered to the highest standard and she would be willing to do it at a reduced price for the publicity. Mr Granger was able to get a deal where they provided $5,000 of catering for $1,500 worth of advertising (in the Prelude).
Mr Gerald Flurry mentioned on the Sabbath that the bronze letters that we obtained from AC were now gold plated letters done for free (he didn't go into details on the story so I'll to try to find out more).
Someone else told me that we had ordered wallpaper for some of the rooms in the auditorium but somehow we ended up with enough wallpaper for all the rooms - the extra being free.
Also we were given a sconce for free because it was a floor model that the vendor didn't need anymore and it fit the space we had available perfectly.
These are just a few of the many examples of God's hand in completing His house to His standard.
Shane Granger had put the catering out for bid and several caterers were came to the meeting. The average price quoted was $10 per head for wine and cheese which is pretty pricey when you're catering for over 800 people. There was one caterer that was pretty quiet during the meeting. Afterwards that caterer called Mr Granger and said that she felt this event should really be catered to the highest standard and she would be willing to do it at a reduced price for the publicity. Mr Granger was able to get a deal where they provided $5,000 of catering for $1,500 worth of advertising (in the Prelude).
Mr Gerald Flurry mentioned on the Sabbath that the bronze letters that we obtained from AC were now gold plated letters done for free (he didn't go into details on the story so I'll to try to find out more).
Someone else told me that we had ordered wallpaper for some of the rooms in the auditorium but somehow we ended up with enough wallpaper for all the rooms - the extra being free.
Also we were given a sconce for free because it was a floor model that the vendor didn't need anymore and it fit the space we had available perfectly.
These are just a few of the many examples of God's hand in completing His house to His standard.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
God's House
So I thought I would post some details about our impressions of God's House. On the sabbath Mr Flurry said he feels like he would like to lock the doors for two hours (indicating to be by himself and take it all in). That's exactly how I felt when I first came in. It's like you want to savor every detail and meditate on what it took to get to this point and the fact that God's presence is in there. Truly, the exquisiteness cannot be adequately described although a few journalists have already written up articles with details of all the furnishings, the latest being the Edmond Monthly (which we all received a copy of at the Dedication. When I get home I'll scan it and post the article since I didn't see an online version).
When you are sitting in the auditorium it feels intimate as the stage doesn't seem far away. The sound carries wonderfully and it's like it envelopes you with mellow tones even at the back. The state of the art technology provides a surround sound effect. Mr Ethan Amos told me that it was designed with the fact that sound travels so the system creates a delay so that those who are sitting at the back hear at the same time as those in front. From wherever you sit the stage is clearly visible and did you see that paneling on the stage? - gorgeous. The wood used throughout the Auditorium is deep and rich, I just wanted to sit and bask in it, such a calming effect.
Although the Auditorium is adorned with many expensive and elegant items the design doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. Rather it inspires you to be better and do better because God's presence is there. There is a joy as you look around and know that you helped to build it. And if you see some fluff on the carpet you pick it up because this is God's House and you want everything to remain perfect.
I spoke with a freshman student who is assigned to general custodial and she was saying that she hopes she assigned to the auditorium. During announcements on the Sabbath Mr Turgeon recognized Mr Daniel Lamberth who is in charge of the Custodial department.What a privilege to be responsible for keeping God's House pristine.
Upstairs the view of the land is expansive from the beautiful foyer. You may remember that Mr Flurry decided to increase the height of the building in order to facilitate this view. You'll see from the pictures that even the elevator and bathrooms are of the highest quality. Throughout the auditorium tasteful artwork adorns the walls including a portrait of Mr Armstrong exiting a plane. The seating upstairs if pretty steep but provides a great view of the whole stage and seating below.
In his dedication prayer and Sabbath sermon, Mr Flurry placed emphasis on the fact that we have to be mindful of our dress and behavior in God's House in order to keep the proper reverence. The fact that he mentioned it in the dedication prayer and sermon let's us know the importance of upkeep of the physical because it reflects the spiritual.
When you are sitting in the auditorium it feels intimate as the stage doesn't seem far away. The sound carries wonderfully and it's like it envelopes you with mellow tones even at the back. The state of the art technology provides a surround sound effect. Mr Ethan Amos told me that it was designed with the fact that sound travels so the system creates a delay so that those who are sitting at the back hear at the same time as those in front. From wherever you sit the stage is clearly visible and did you see that paneling on the stage? - gorgeous. The wood used throughout the Auditorium is deep and rich, I just wanted to sit and bask in it, such a calming effect.
Although the Auditorium is adorned with many expensive and elegant items the design doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. Rather it inspires you to be better and do better because God's presence is there. There is a joy as you look around and know that you helped to build it. And if you see some fluff on the carpet you pick it up because this is God's House and you want everything to remain perfect.
I spoke with a freshman student who is assigned to general custodial and she was saying that she hopes she assigned to the auditorium. During announcements on the Sabbath Mr Turgeon recognized Mr Daniel Lamberth who is in charge of the Custodial department.What a privilege to be responsible for keeping God's House pristine.
Upstairs the view of the land is expansive from the beautiful foyer. You may remember that Mr Flurry decided to increase the height of the building in order to facilitate this view. You'll see from the pictures that even the elevator and bathrooms are of the highest quality. Throughout the auditorium tasteful artwork adorns the walls including a portrait of Mr Armstrong exiting a plane. The seating upstairs if pretty steep but provides a great view of the whole stage and seating below.
In his dedication prayer and Sabbath sermon, Mr Flurry placed emphasis on the fact that we have to be mindful of our dress and behavior in God's House in order to keep the proper reverence. The fact that he mentioned it in the dedication prayer and sermon let's us know the importance of upkeep of the physical because it reflects the spiritual.
Monday, September 6, 2010
First Auditorium Wedding
Chelsey Hart and David Weeks were privileged to be the first couple to be married in the Auditorium. The event was the essence of elegance and fit in perfectly with the refinement of the venue. The guests were ushered to their seats while the ambiance was set by HWAC Senior Justin Yocum, clad in white, playing the piano on stage. Two beautiful white flower arrangements graced both sides of the stage.
When all the guests were seated Philip Nice announced that the ceremony would begin and deep blue curtain was drawn across to hide the piano and reduce the size of the stage. The bridal party proceeded from the back and around the side onto the stage. The ladies in elegant blue dresses that were a shade lighter than the curtain, the men in black tuxes with blue vests.
Finally the bride, looking radiant in a beautiful white dress, was led in by her Father.
The ceremony was conducted by Mr Brian Weeks, the Grooms Father. Afterwards the guests fellowshipped while the bridal party took photos.
The reception was held outside the front of the Auditorium, where a dance floor was laid out in front of the entrance called the Grand Mall.
The bridal party table was set up in front of the Swans.
I cannot think of a more fitting way to end this Dedication weekend than with a wedding!
The bridal party table was set up in front of the Swans.
I cannot think of a more fitting way to end this Dedication weekend than with a wedding!
Sabbath 9/4/10
The first Sabbath service in God's House!
Shane Granger led songs with enthusiasm and our voices filled the auditorium from top to bottom. Mr Alex Harrison gave the opening prayer. The sermonette was brought to us by Mr Stephen Flurry. He recalled that he was standing in front of the Swans in Flight in Big Sandy at a ground breaking ceremony that Mr Tkach conducted, on the same day that his Dad and Mr Amos started out for Pasadena, Dec 7. He noted that
after the inauguaral concert in 1974, Mr Armstrong overhead a lady going on and on about the beauty of the Auditorium. Mr Armstrong told her that what she was describing was the character of God. Mr Stephen Flurry said: "Why should we be so excited about the character that this structure represents? Because God is building His character in us"
During the announcements Mr Turgeon reiterated the need to adhere to the rules for keeping the House for God flawless.
Mr Gerald Flurry gave the sermon and I won't go into detail because you will hear it for yourself but the gist of it is that the Auditorium is a house of prayer and through prayer comes power to really achieve.
Mr Ron Fraser gave the closing prayer. By the way he is leaving for London and will be there for a month to get situated with his new role as Regional Director for that region (but he'll be doing the job while based in Edmond).
Shane Granger led songs with enthusiasm and our voices filled the auditorium from top to bottom. Mr Alex Harrison gave the opening prayer. The sermonette was brought to us by Mr Stephen Flurry. He recalled that he was standing in front of the Swans in Flight in Big Sandy at a ground breaking ceremony that Mr Tkach conducted, on the same day that his Dad and Mr Amos started out for Pasadena, Dec 7. He noted that
after the inauguaral concert in 1974, Mr Armstrong overhead a lady going on and on about the beauty of the Auditorium. Mr Armstrong told her that what she was describing was the character of God. Mr Stephen Flurry said: "Why should we be so excited about the character that this structure represents? Because God is building His character in us"
During the announcements Mr Turgeon reiterated the need to adhere to the rules for keeping the House for God flawless.
Mr Gerald Flurry gave the sermon and I won't go into detail because you will hear it for yourself but the gist of it is that the Auditorium is a house of prayer and through prayer comes power to really achieve.
Mr Ron Fraser gave the closing prayer. By the way he is leaving for London and will be there for a month to get situated with his new role as Regional Director for that region (but he'll be doing the job while based in Edmond).
Spectacular Concert
Wow! the concert yesterday was superb. The whole atmosphere and organization is of fine concert-going. Students were the ticket collectors at the door and were ushers directing you to your seat in a very friendly and professional manner. The Auditorium was probably 95% full with brethren and the public. I'm not sure what the ratio was. We received the Elijah program and a booklet called Auditorium season schedule called "Prelude".
We had seats in row 3 from the front on the right side. There is an orchestra pit but for this occassion they were on the stage on the same level as everyone. The choir was behind the orchestra. In front of the orchestra were chairs set up for the key ladies - Mrs Malone (Soprano) and Pamela Williams (Mezzo-Soprano) on the left and the men - David Grogan (Baritone) and James Doing (Tenor), on the right. Four seats were on each side because 2 additional men and women from the choir would join the key singers from time to time. There were: Sarah Patten, Jennifer Trebels, Mark Jenkins, Mr Hilliker and David Brandon. The Flurry's daughter Vienna did a splendid solo as well.
It was captivating to watch the intensity with which Mr Malone conducted the oratorio. Listening to and seeing a live orchestra added so much and the choir was outstanding in the drama that they brought to scenes such as when the prophets of Baal were trying to get their gods to react.
It truly was a wonderful event and I felt humble pride (!) in knowing that we all contributed to building such a a fine venue for the public to come and enjoy a rich cultural event. I hope it will be put out on DVD so that everyone can share in it.
p.s. Sir Wynne was also in the audience.
We had seats in row 3 from the front on the right side. There is an orchestra pit but for this occassion they were on the stage on the same level as everyone. The choir was behind the orchestra. In front of the orchestra were chairs set up for the key ladies - Mrs Malone (Soprano) and Pamela Williams (Mezzo-Soprano) on the left and the men - David Grogan (Baritone) and James Doing (Tenor), on the right. Four seats were on each side because 2 additional men and women from the choir would join the key singers from time to time. There were: Sarah Patten, Jennifer Trebels, Mark Jenkins, Mr Hilliker and David Brandon. The Flurry's daughter Vienna did a splendid solo as well.
It was captivating to watch the intensity with which Mr Malone conducted the oratorio. Listening to and seeing a live orchestra added so much and the choir was outstanding in the drama that they brought to scenes such as when the prophets of Baal were trying to get their gods to react.
It truly was a wonderful event and I felt humble pride (!) in knowing that we all contributed to building such a a fine venue for the public to come and enjoy a rich cultural event. I hope it will be put out on DVD so that everyone can share in it.
p.s. Sir Wynne was also in the audience.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Shout out to Susan Woods - WATS!
I forgot to mention that when I met Mr Weeks in the cafeteria he remembered me because I do WATS. Then he mentioned that numbers were down for the Friday morning ring-in because many of the in-home WATS operators were visiting Edmond. We joked because the Friday ring-in is about 5am and that's too early for me. However, I mentioned that Susan Woods is always up early and he said he has noticed that she's very diligent in taking those early calls and he really appreciates her doing her dedication. So here's a shout out to you Susan, your WATS efforts do not go unrecognized. :)
Anyone else who has considered WATS but hasn't taken the plunge you should try it, it's great to be on the front lines helping the work and the need will increase as we get more publicity.
Anyone else who has considered WATS but hasn't taken the plunge you should try it, it's great to be on the front lines helping the work and the need will increase as we get more publicity.
Swans Unveiling
Another incredible day! It started out with a visit to the bookstore which was crowded with brethren snapping up items.
The good news for all brethren is that they plan to have an online store for everyone to access by the feast so you can order items to be sent. Some great items that will be available for cuff-linksa and a ladies jewelry item (not exacatly sure what).
In the Hall of Admin there was an official tour of the Ezekiel's Temple with Mr Rethford explaining it.
Next we milled around outside the auditorium while the food was being set up in a tent opposite which was due to open at 12.30. The food was catered (and the church obtained a great deal by trading advertising space for the cost of the catering). In the photo below you can see the back of Mr Granger as he was going around checking on everything. Mr Flurry gave Mr Granger kudos for being instrumental in having Mr Wynne be present for the unveiling.
At 13.30 Sir David arrived in a stretch limo and was escorted by Jessica Brandon through a welcome line of college students in white while everyone applauded.
A podium was set up in front of the swans and the entrance to the Auditorium. Mr Turgeon introduced Mr Flurry who gave an introduction to Sir David Wynne, relating how he wanted to really immerse himself in the subject of the sculpture. Sir David gave a brief toast to the PCG and HWA and then trumpets blew and white birds were released and the water turned on to sounds of a majestic tune (I need to find out the name of it) and extended applause.
The good news for all brethren is that they plan to have an online store for everyone to access by the feast so you can order items to be sent. Some great items that will be available for cuff-linksa and a ladies jewelry item (not exacatly sure what).
In the Hall of Admin there was an official tour of the Ezekiel's Temple with Mr Rethford explaining it.
Next we milled around outside the auditorium while the food was being set up in a tent opposite which was due to open at 12.30. The food was catered (and the church obtained a great deal by trading advertising space for the cost of the catering). In the photo below you can see the back of Mr Granger as he was going around checking on everything. Mr Flurry gave Mr Granger kudos for being instrumental in having Mr Wynne be present for the unveiling.
A podium was set up in front of the swans and the entrance to the Auditorium. Mr Turgeon introduced Mr Flurry who gave an introduction to Sir David Wynne, relating how he wanted to really immerse himself in the subject of the sculpture. Sir David gave a brief toast to the PCG and HWA and then trumpets blew and white birds were released and the water turned on to sounds of a majestic tune (I need to find out the name of it) and extended applause.
Concert about to begin...
The concert is about to begin. This is really awesome to see the public here and most of them are dressed up. Kenny is sitting next to a couple from the public and chattibg up a storm.
Ok got to go.
Today's Events
Quick update before I get ready to leave. Today is the first time that God's House will be open to the public.
12.30pm Catered lunch
1.30pm Swans unveilling by Sir David Wynne
3pm Elijah Concert
Please pray that everything goes perfectly.
By the way, you can view a write-up on tge Forum that Sir Wynne gave in the Auditorium on Friday.
http://www.trueeducation.org/2010/09/03/first-ever-armstrong-auditorium-forum-sir-david-wynne/
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Fellowship Magnifcal!
Wow, as I said before this has been a wonderful opportunity for meeting up with long lost friends and make new friends. You'll be talking to someone and then notice another long lost friend passing by and another 2 in the distance that you want to get over to. It's just tremendous.
We are so international, it amazes me sometimes. I received a hug from my friends the Van der Leeuws from South African via Mrs Winn. I've met several people that were at the last Petra Feast in 1999 including my room mate Connie who happened to be behind me in line to get in the hall last night. Several beloved brethren from England are here whom I haven't seen in a few years like the Howards and Mrs Knight.
Tonight we went out to dinner at Interurban restaurant. The food was excellent and the fellowship even better. Our New Jersey friends, Mr Jeff and Lucie Visconti invited us and we were surprised and delighted to be in a group with Bernard and Lori Hanson friends from England (Bernard is British, Lori American) and Vida Greenaway from NJ. In addition to we enjoyed getting to know Mr Magruder and the Gannons.
You can meet someone for the first time and within minutes, feel like you've known them for many years. That's the wonder of God's spirit that binds us all together. Yesterday, when I went into the cafeteria I met Joy Toro from New Zealand we immediately got into wonderful fellowship along with Stephanie. As we were talking, Kenny texted me that there was an earthquake in New Zealand. I immediately was able to show Joy the news story on my phone. Wasn't that an interesting coincidence?
There is a group of about 10 people from Trinidad including Mr and Mrs Seebran plus a few from the Bahamas.I could go on and on listing all the people I've met but what a blast it's going to be when we are all together never to be separated again!
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| William and Beryl Wallace |
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| Mr & Mrs Howard |
Tonight we went out to dinner at Interurban restaurant. The food was excellent and the fellowship even better. Our New Jersey friends, Mr Jeff and Lucie Visconti invited us and we were surprised and delighted to be in a group with Bernard and Lori Hanson friends from England (Bernard is British, Lori American) and Vida Greenaway from NJ. In addition to we enjoyed getting to know Mr Magruder and the Gannons.
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| The Viscontis |
You can meet someone for the first time and within minutes, feel like you've known them for many years. That's the wonder of God's spirit that binds us all together. Yesterday, when I went into the cafeteria I met Joy Toro from New Zealand we immediately got into wonderful fellowship along with Stephanie. As we were talking, Kenny texted me that there was an earthquake in New Zealand. I immediately was able to show Joy the news story on my phone. Wasn't that an interesting coincidence?
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| Joy Toro and Stephanie |
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| Soon to be married - David and Chelsey |
Campus Grounds
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| Coming up to the Entrance |
As I went around the campus there were many volunteers, students and staff busy working on the landscaping. It looks beautiful and green now which is a feat itself considering it's the height of Summer. I was told that the grounds are watered by a well.
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| Administration building, the Auditorium was behind me. |
I stopped and chatted with Mr Leap, who is helping with landscaping, Mr Hanson (Local Elder from Canada) and Mr and Mrs Winn.
After lunch the staff were preparing food for the weekend. That's a lot of cutting up for over 800 people.
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| Mr Coats dicing cheese |
Outside the Fieldhouse is the Prayer Rock that Mr Armstrong used to use in the early days.
There are lots more pictures of the campus in the album. Take a look at the pond, housing, swimming pool etc. I asked if there was a map of campus so we could see the layout of all the buildings, I thought I had seen one in a publication but maybe not.
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| Cycling is the best mode of transportation |
Friday, September 3, 2010
Dedication Service in brief
The dedication ceremony was a feast for the eyes, ears and emotions. I want to do the event justice so I'll write more when I have rested and cogitated! But briefly the auditorium was packed with brethren from around the world and we were handed a program and a copy of the September Issue of Edmond Monthly magazine which features the Auditorium on the front cover with a 6-page article titled "Acoustic Aesthetic Exaltation"
The ceremony lasted about 45 minutes: Mr Turgeon, Mr Stephen Flurry and Mr Gerald Flurry spoke (in that order) and the choir sang three songs. Most moving was House of Prayer. During his speech, Mr Gerald Flurry spoke with emotion about the legacy of Mr Armstrong's vision of global harmony and how we have come to this point of having House for God which will continue that vision.
As you can imagine, with so many brethren from all over, the atmosphere was very festive and even during the service all three speakers brought in a little humor. So it was a wonderful mix of solemnity and joy. Unusually for a PCG service, with each speaker and after each song there was applause. Truly a wonderful event....more details to come.
Have a wonderful Sabbath.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Choir Rehearsal
Phenomenal is the word to describe my first impression of God's House. As you drive up to the entrance to the grounds you can see the Auditorium like a beacon on a hill. Inside the hall it is even more impressive than we seen in pictures. In the photos (see album) you can see the beautiful wood panels on the stage. I sat in the audience seats and they are so plush and comfortable. The purple carpet is rich and thick. It is clear why strict guidelines need to be in place in order to keep everything pristine. We didn't get a tour because it was late so we only saw a fraction of the building.
The choir was wonderful and with the orchestra made it superb. Tomorrow is a dress rehearsal so it will be even better. Kenny said it was a tremendous feeling to be up there.
We met more friends from Scotland, London and Trinidad.
As we were leaving, I stopped to take pictures by the swans and chatted with Connor Brown. He was checking the lights in the waterfall because they were not coming on. So please pray that this issue will be fixed.