Sunday morning, Oct. 17, on Temple Square was a bittersweet time for reminiscing and saying farewell: It was Jerold D. Ottley's last time on the conductor's podium as music director of the Tabernacle Choir in its weekly broadcast of "Music and the Spoken Word." And it was JoAnn Ottley's last day as voice coach for the choir.
Brother Ottley conducted his first choir broadcast on Sept. 8, 1974. During his 25-year tenure, he was music director of the choir for more than 1,250 broadcasts of "Music and the Spoken Word" and concerts in 44 countries.All stops, it seemed, were pulled out to mark Brother and Sister Ottley's retirement, which will be effective Dec. 3. At a mini-concert after the broadcast, President Thomas S. Monson conveyed love and appreciation from the First Presidency and Utah Gov. Michael O. Leavitt proclaimed Oct. 17, 1999, "Jerold D. Ottley Day." Richard D. Alsop, president of Bonneville Communications and executive producer of "Music and the Spoken Word," presented a plaque to Brother Ottley on behalf of Bonneville Communications, Bonneville International Corp., KSL, CBS Radio Network and more than 2,300 radio and television broadcasters and cablecasters.
A large number of the Ottleys' relatives attended, along with several hundred former members of the Tabernacle Choir. With most of the main floor and balconies filled, the Tabernacle took on the appearance of a general conference session, with some 4,000 people present.
President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, quoted D&C 23:12: "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."
The scripture, President Monson said, was as a tribute to Brother and Sister Ottley, and to all members of the choir, past and present.
President Monson spoke of Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists of all time, who had walked on stage before a sold-out opera house to perform. To his horror, he realized that he had someone else's violin, but knowing he had no other choice, he began to play. After the concert, Paganini told a fellow musician that he had learned an important lesson. "He said, 'Before today I thought the music was in the violin; today I learned that the music is in me.' "
President Monson said, "And so it is with Jerry, with JoAnn, with the choir, and all who bring to us their gifts of God and their own inward feelings through their music."
President Monson presented on behalf of the First Presidency a plaque to Brother Ottley. The inscription noted that Brother Ottley's tenure as music director of the choir represents a significant contribution of time and effort in the service of others.
A plaque from the First Presidency to Sister Ottley commended her service to the choir as vocal coach and as a singer who has been a soloist with the choir.
The broadcast and the mini-concert featured hymns and other musical selections that are personal and sentimental favorites of the Ottleys. One selection in particular touched the singers, audience and the Ottleys. Lloyd Newell, who provides the "spoken word" for the broadcast, announced at the mini-concert that Brother Ottley had selected "Wind Beneath My Wings" as a tribute to his wife. The song pays homage to one who has been in the shadows, giving support and strength to another who has received "all the glory." By the end of the song, many in the choir and audience were wiping away tears.
During the last chorus of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," Brother Ottley turned to face the audience. On his signal, former members of the choir stood and joined in singing.
And all too soon, it seemed, it was time for farewell. With Brother and Sister Ottley standing side by side facing the singers, the choir tearfully sang its traditional hymn of parting, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."