Our Angel Choir has returned happy, triumphant, and road weary from its six-day, 2,000-mile, perfect-weather Summer Singing Tour, and it was indeed another incredible trip for the books.

The choir gave full concerts to large and appreciative audiences at Wallace’s former pastorate, Overbrook Presbyterian in Philadelphia, and at the Eggerts’ former Presbyterian church in the seaside town of Manasquan, New Jersey. The singers also offered Elaine Hagenberg’s stunning “You Do Not Walk Alone” as a choral benediction for the midday Holy Eucharist service at historic Christ Church in Philly, sitting among the pews where George Washington, Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams worshipped centuries ago.

Along the way, our 21 singers and six adults were treated to local delicacies (cheesesteaks in Philly and egg sandwiches in Jersey), along with pizza and ice cream — lots of pizza and ice cream — and we were the recipients of boundless acts of kindness from our host families during overnight stays.

On Friday in Maine, the choir broke out into impromptu, spirited renditions of “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” (sans accompaniment) to the delight of passers-by on the craggy coastline in Ogunquit and on the huge igneous rocks at the Nubble Lighthouse in York. After lunch at a local lobster house (a regular stop on our New England tours), the owner requested a song, so our 13 boys sang their a cappella arrangement of “Ride the Chariot” to the appreciative patrons and employees. After that, we hit Long Sands Beach to swim in the frigid water, play Spikeball, blow bubbles, fly kites, build sandcastles, and walk the scenic shoreline; it was an ideal day to play.

After the 10-hour drive from Maine to Annapolis on Saturday, we mustered the strength to spend an hour walking around this unique state capital, where we ate more ice cream and visited the iconic Maryland State House and picturesque City Dock. Sunday morning, we arrived at “the Yard” of the U.S. Naval Academy to sing four pieces for traditional Protestant worship at the magnificent Navy Chapel. The church’s music director and organist regaled our group with stories of riding roller coasters at Ohio’s Cedar Point and Kings Island, two of his favorite theme parks. He also offered high praise for the choir’s singing and warmly invited us to return anytime.

In addition to the music and the people and the history and the weather and the food on this tour, we had fun — so much fun — together!

This year’s touring group was not only talented but also unbelievably upbeat, easygoing, considerate, and respectful toward everyone they encountered. I received countless compliments on their singing and conduct from audience members, host families, and strangers alike. They — along with our capable chaperones, Wallace Bubar, Suzy Henry, Danny Hussey, Jack Hire, and accompanist Meredith Needham — represented our choir, congregation, and community with their engaging personalities, dignity, humility, and angelic voices. I am honored and blessed to be their “Fearless Leader” and to have had yet another opportunity to introduce these amazing young people and their faith in God to so many beyond our village.

— Joy Hire, Angel Choir Director