The Sunday of the 120th Anniversary weekend was a big day for the bandsmen. Two morning services (9.30am and 11.00am), a lunch with the members of the Alumni, and then a concert at 2.30pm made for a busy time.

The day started at 9.00am with set-up (most of which was done the previous day) ready for the 9.30am start.

Typically with a more informal service, most of the congregation arrived during the opening singing which followed a welcome and announcements by the Corps Officer Major Greg Morgan.

Mark Hamilton led through the opening worship time (with vocal support from specialist worship singer Neil Roper). The worship time included 3 songs - Blessed be your Name, How great is our God and Here I am to worship. Mark then led the congregation in prayer.

Caroline Holman brought the Scripture Reading from Joshua 8 before Major Gary Hart interviewed Warren Hutchinson.

Warren spoke candidly of his time with the band and then mentioned his concern about the lack of younger people coming through to the MSB. He emphasised the need to support the Future Brass program which is designed to help and encourge young brass and percussion musicians.

It was perhaps no coincidence that the very next item on the meeting lead was the Offering, which saw MSB pianist and 3 time Future Brass attender Wayne Collyer provide excellent musical support.

Following the offering, the MSB played Refiners Fire before Lt Colonel Ian Hamilton brought his message about the need for us to deal with sin before we can expect to receive the blessings that God wants to lavish upon us.

The final song Blessed be your name brought the service to a conclusion and allowed for a very quick break before the next service.

A hymn tune and James Curnow's Pastorale were the preludes to the 11.00am service which was attended by a large number of MSB Alumni and supporters.

After a brief welcome and announcements again from Major Morgan, Lt Colonel Hamilton lead the opening song Praise to the Lord.

Following a reading from Psalms Now (Psalm 98), Deputy Bandmaster Paul Smith led the congregation in the singing of How great is our God and Father in Heaven (again with help from Neil) and then prayed on behalf of the congregation.

A number of soloists would be featured during the day, the first being Garry Todd who played the cornet solo Mid All the Traffic. Whilst this is not a technically difficult piece, Garry's tone and breath control helped create one of the those “special” moments in the service.

Immediately after the cornet solo, the Box Hill Songster Brigade brought their contribution entitled Majesty, with the accompaniment of some of the MSB members.

Local boy Stewart Orchard then read from the Bible (Revelation 1: 1-8) before Lt Colonel Hamilton led the congregation in the singing of Eternal God unchanging.

Jamie Smith gave his testimony, speaking about his passion for architecture. He mentioned how some people spend a great deal of time and money restoring old buildings either to their original form or to a entirely new form. He commented that buildings are compliant to the architect and allow the changes to be made, and that is how we need to be with God – allowing Him to fashion and change us for the better.

A rather unwell but uncomplaining Wayne Collyer again provided musical support during the Offering before the band played Wilfred Heaton's Just as I am.

This powerful piece is the favourite of many bandsmen and was well received. It certainly set the mood for Lt Colonel Ian Hamilton to speak about God being the first and the last in our life.

The chorus All my heart I give to Thee may not have been heard for a long time, but it was a fitting way to conclude the challenge given by Colonel Hamilton.

Following the song My heart is fixed on Thee, the benediction (Lord in the strength of grace) was sung and the meeting was concluded.

Both services were very well attended and well received, and would set the scene for a great afternoon of fellowship, music and challenge.

RW