In The Sanctuary

It is with great pleasure that The Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus presents it's inaugural CD, In The Sanctuary.

Under the dynamic and expert leadership of Barbara Allen, the Youth Chorus has developed a powerful ministry that reaches beyond the doors of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps.

I can attest that the Youth Chorus is comprised of some very remarkable young people—full of energy, talents, gifts and unlimited potential. Each represents a gift of God to our congregation. We thank God for every Youth Chorus member and their leaders.

The title of the CD, In the Sanctuary, was a decision easily reached by a consensus of the Youth Chorus. In fact, the track of that name on the CD has become the signature song of the group. As Christians, we believe that God is available to us at anyplace and anytime. And yet, there is something very special about a group of believers entering God's house and sharing in His holy presence. The words sanctuary and tabernacle suggest not only a holy place of worship, but also a place of refuge and protection. As God interacts with us in a very intimate way, He imparts an assurance that we are loved and cared for. Revelation 21:3 declares, "...the the Tabernacle of God is with men and He will be with them as they shall be His people." God desires praise, thanksgiving, confession and supplication. We best accomplish these spiritual disciplines when we come in to God's presence with an attitude of worship and become "His people."

Our united prayer is that God will use In The Sanctuary to reach every generation with the gospel truth of God's Love found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Please enjoy the contemporary music of the CD and experience the refreshing enthusiasm and passion of the TAB Youth Chorus. Most of all, rejoice in the refuge, security and power that God gives to those who choose daily to enter into His sanctuary. ....Captain Edward Hill

To obtain a copy of this CD:
$17.00 within the US
$20.00 Outside US
Prices include shipping.

Please send check or money order to:
The Salvation Army
Pasadena Tabernacle
960 E. Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91106

You can also contact any chorus member or call (626) 773-4400.

Review of In The Sanctuary
New Frontier - Volume 23, Number 16 - October 14, 2005

Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus debut recording forceful and exuberant!

Reviewed by: Major Len Ballantine
Secretary for Music and Gospel Arts
Canada and Bermuda Territory

By all that is normal in the world of music and recordings, In the Sanctuary should not be possible. I mean, I simply cannot believe that this is the debut album of a youth chorus with a mere four-year history, let alone the fact that a single congregation spawned its membership and resourced its entire instrumental backing. If this is what Barbara Allen and Pasadena Tabernacle are capable of, then I can only wonder what amazing ministry will come from this bunch once they really get rolling!

From the outset I was struck by the sheer forcefulness of their authentic gospel choir sound. It is one of uncontained youthful exuberance, a total abandonment of soul and body, which flies in the face of the well-rehearsed rhythms and rich harmonies of the genre. Quite simply, these guys sound like they are having the time of their lives, and their leader has wisely harnessed rather than shackled that quality.

The songs themselves were well chosen for their impact, and each contributes to the rich diversity on offer. I remained engaged throughout, and noted with surprise the apparent level of difficulty of some. In an age when the average choral anthem has been bled of interest and intricacy in favor of an easy sing, these songs were demanding for the performer and engaging for the listener. Full marks for not shying away from hard work!

Having not heard this group live, I brought a certain expectation to my first hearing of In the Sanctuary, shaped by the title itself and by the low-key graphic design of the cover. I thought, mistakenly, I was going to encounter cloistered reverie and high-arched choral lines. Boy! Was I shocked!

In truth, I found nothing of calm transparence in this project. Rather, it is imbued with the drive and dynamic of emboldened youth, a generation which strides unselfconsciously into the very sanctuary of God’s presence, and dares to dance, praise, sing and play in the manner of its own culture. It seems to me that that is exactly what propelled the early-day Salvationists into ministry unique for their times. And I am inspired to think that this generation is capable of doing no less.

Congratulations to Barb and Steve and the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus on an excellent project, the first of many to follow, I trust.