AUBURN — On Sept. 26, 104 singers from over 20 churches gathered at the Court Street Baptist Church for an evening of worship and song during the Festival of Thanksgiving. They were joined by several brass instrumentalists, a violinist, flutist and percussionists. Organist Dr. Frederick Swann accompanied the chorus, which sang under the direction of the Rev. Thomas Matrone.

The church was full, with extra chairs having to be set up for the overflow crowd that came. Among the many highlights of the evening was the performance of an arrangement of the hymn “Christ, in Whose Presence, My Soul Takes Delight,” which was composed by Mark Thallander specifically for the occasion. Litanies, scripture readings and prayers were interspersed throughout the program.

One longtime member of the church said that it was the most meaningful evening she could remember being a part of. Another member said that the singers “all had a glow about them.”

Kathy Haley, Court Street’s organist and choir director, commented that the evening exceeded her expectations.