Historical Narrative
Organized in 1953 under Rev. Dr. William J. Faulkner, the Congregational Church of Park Manor (Chicago, Illinois) quickly became known for its outstanding music ministry. Its first Director of Music, Catherine Jackson Adams, was assisted by her mother Gertrude Jackson Taylor and sister Betty Jackson King. After Catherine’s passing in 1958, Betty Jackson King served as Director of Music until 1965, continuing to build the choir’s artistic excellence.
King’s Alleluia & Prayer, written for S.S.A.A. voices, was dedicated to the Park Manor Choir, honoring its deep spiritual strength and musical beauty. The piece reflects the unity of women’s voices and the enduring legacy of two sisters whose ministry shaped the sound of faith at Park Manor.
Musical Description
Majestic and reverent, Alleluia displays Betty Jackson King’s masterful ability to transform a simple text into an inspiring musical experience. Written for S.S.A.A. voices with piano for rehearsal only, this a cappella work unfolds in G major with a noble rhythmic drive that mirrors the text’s spirit of praise. The opening “Alleluia” motives are skillfully layered across the four voice parts, creating luminous harmonic textures that expand and contract like waves of sound.
Marked Majestic, the composition demands precise ensemble balance and pure intonation, making it an excellent piece for both worship and concert performance. King’s writing demonstrates her characteristic attention to voicing clarity, harmonic progression, and expressive phrasing, while her use of imitation and sustained lines allows each part to participate equally in the unfolding praise.
Alleluia reflects King’s lifelong dedication to sacred choral music and to developing strong vocal ensembles within the church and community. Its blend of discipline and devotion makes it both musically rewarding and spiritually uplifting—a timeless statement of faith through sound.