Life's dream to see, hear Tabernacle Choir
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It had been Vivien Jordan's lifelong dream to be in the presence of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and hear it perform. But at the age of 95, the Ormond Beach, Fla., resident seemed unlikely to have that dream fulfilled.
Then, a Florida newspaper, The East Volusia News-Journal, featured her in its "On the Spot" column. In response to the question, "Where in the world have you always wanted to visit?" Mrs. Jordan replied Salt Lake City to visit the Mormon Tabernacle and hear its choir sing.
Daytona Beach resident Angela S. Waggoner saw the newspaper piece and, though she didn't know Mrs. Jordan, decided she could help make the dream come true.
She contacted Florida Hospital Ormond Memorial, where Mrs. Jordan, a widow, volunteers her time as a bookkeeper. Initially suspicious, the staff put her in touch with their nonagenarian volunteer.
"Do you still want to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing?" Ms. Waggoner asked. Mrs. Jordan was reluctant because of the extravagance, but was soon persuaded to come along.
So, with arrangements made by Michael Von Rosen of Church Public Affairs, Mrs. Jordan, her benefactor Angela Waggoner and Angela's mother, Shirley Waggoner, made the trip after the reverend at Mrs. Jordan's Episcopal Church blessed her journey.
The three were treated to a rehearsal and performance in the Conference Center at the June 8 broadcast of the choir's program "Music and the Spoken Word."
After the broadcast sign-off, announcer Lloyd Newell introduced them to the audience in the Conference Center.
"I'm told that she recently cut back on her 40-hour volunteer schedule," Brother Newell said. The audience laughed as she told him she now works 39 hours.
"This would make for a great 'Spoken Word' message, wouldn't it?" Brother Newell commented. "About the kindness of a stranger and fulfillment of a dream."
The choir then sang its famous benedictory hymn to the three visitors and to the Conference Center audience, "God Be with You Till We Meet Again." Several choir members touched Mrs. Jordan's arm affectionately as they departed.
E-mail to: rscott@desnews.com
