UPON THIS ROCK by Jeffrey L. Traster - SATB
UPON THIS ROCK was composed for the 125th Anniversary Celebration of Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church in Huber Heights, Ohio, at the request of Alma Ault, Coordinator of Music. It was premiered on 14 July 1996 by the Chancel Choir, Lynn Corbit, Director.
The primary text for UPON THIS ROCK is drawn from Matthew 16:18, the passage in which Jesus gives Simon, son of Jonah, a new name -- Peter -- which means "rock." Jesus follows the renaming of Simon with the words, "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." In this metaphor of Peter being declared the foundation of the church are perhaps broader questions: Was Jesus speaking only to Peter, or was he speaking to all of his disciples? By interpolation, are not we as Jesus’ modern disciples to be the foundation of the church? From Matthew 26:22 comes the text, "Is it I?" In the context of this anthem, "Is it I?" infers that each of us are responsible to be the foundation of the church by the loving ways we conduct ourselves each day. The strength and fellowship of Sulphur Grove UMC is a living testament to such a foundation for 125 years!
Jeffrey L. Traster
27 May 1996