The weekend of November 22-24, 2025, was marked by a series of musical performances and worship services organized by the New York Staff Band (NYSB), in collaboration with The Salvation Army WPA Division and Pittsburgh Temple. The schedule was packed with concerts, special events, and prayer sessions, providing a unique blend of musical artistry and spiritual engagement.
Friday, November 22: Pittsburgh Temple Concert
The festivities began on Friday morning, as participants gathered at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters (THQ) for a 9:00 AM bus departure. The first stop was East Stroudsburg Corps, where the group picked up additional members before continuing their journey to Pittsburgh. Upon arrival at Pittsburgh Temple, the band set up for the evening concert, had a soundcheck, and following a quick dinner and a uniform change, gathered for prayer before the evening festival concert began. The NYSB was pleased to share the stage with the Allegheny Brass Band whom provided a brief yet exciting pre-concert performance.
The concert at Pittsburgh Temple featured a rich lineup of performances with opening pieces, Triumphant and High-Octane by Marcus Venables. The congregation was then treated to a variety of musical selections from the Pittsburgh Music School Singing Company, including the hymn “Many and Great” by Harold Burgmayer and a lively rendition of Feliz Navidad by Dorothy Gates. Other notable musical selections included Silent Night, Fantasy of Joy, and How I Love You by Gavin Lamplough.
A devotional message by Lt. Colonel David Davis followed, with worship continuing through a series of congregational songs such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Greensleeves. The concert ended with a stirring rendition of the bands traditional benediction Rock of Age after setting a festive tone helping to usher in the Christmas season.
Saturday, November 23: Mall and Light Up Night Performances
On Saturday, the NYSB performed at two major public events. After breakfast at the hotel, the group departed for the Mall at Robinson for a 11:00 AM concert, followed by lunch. At 3:00 PM, they made their way to the highly anticipated Pittsburgh Light Up Night event, an annual city celebration that marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
The NYSB performed at the event, featuring a soundcheck and then a full concert at 4:00 PM. The evening included a mix of holiday music and worship, with the band playing familiar tunes like Silent Night and Christmas Joy. Following the performance, the group split into smaller groups for personal ministry before loading the bus back to the hotel.
Sunday, November 24: Worship Service at Pittsburgh Temple
The final day of the event began with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 9:15 AM bus departure to Pittsburgh Temple for the morning worship service.
The worship service featured a variety of powerful musical selections, including Battle Belongs by Simon Morton and All Hail King Jesus by Jeremy Riddle. A testimony by Jonathan George provided a powerful reflection on his faith journey, and the NYSB Chorus performed Fill Me Now by Leslie Condon. The message, delivered by Lt. Colonel David B. Davis, was drawn from 1 Thessalonians 5:9-18, encouraging the congregation to live in a way that reflects the light and love of Christ.
The service concluded with the singing of Hyfrodol – Love Divine and a benediction by Captain Evelyn Caldwell, leaving attendees spiritually uplifted and ready to face the challenges of the week ahead.
The Western Pennsylvania ministry weekend and associated events were a resounding success. The NYSB, alongside local musicians and volunteers, created a weekend filled with memorable performances and meaningful worship. The event exemplified the power of music in bringing people together, celebrating the joy of the season, and deepening the spiritual life of the community.
