Kat Prickett, one of the four vocalists who present "Then Sings My Soul," likes to say she "grew up on Billy Graham." "My grandparents, Lee and Mildred Peiffer of Lebanon, were instrumental in exposing me to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association," noted Prickett. "I have such a deep respect for Mr. Graham and his ministry." With a background in production, producing, and also performing, Prickett long contemplated putting together a program featuring hymns and their rich histories. When Graham passed away in 2018, Prickett knew the time had come.

The resulting program, "Then Sings My Soul," is a presentation featuring hymns and songs associated with the ministry of Billy Graham, which has been presented yearly since Prickett created it. "Then Sings My Soul" will be presented at Salem Hellers Church, 2555 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, on Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. The original musical program will delve into the history of the hymns and how they connect to the life and ministry of Billy Graham. The program will be sung in four-part harmonies with live piano accompaniment. As a special addition for the show, the Salem Hellers church choir will join the group on the sing-alongs. There is no admission to attend. A freewill offering will be accepted.

Originally, the show was to be presented as part of a summer entertainment series at the The Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant in Strasburg, but that evolved into a week of touring area retirement communities and an appearance at The Junction Center attended by more than 400. In the last four years, the group has been to more than 80 U.S. locations.

Rather than simply offering a musical experience, Prickett has filled the show with pieces of history, including the fact that "How Great Thou Art" was not a well-known song in the U.S. until Billy Graham's crusades. "In 1954, the song was given to George Beverly Shea and performed at the London Crusade," explained Prickett, who said that the Graham team brought it to Graham, who reportedly loved the song and quickly made it the crusade's signature song. "On June 16, 1957, during the famous Billy Graham New York Crusade at Madison Square Garden, 'How Great Thou Art' was introduced to Christians in the U.S.," said Prickett.

According to Prickett, the message of "Then Sings My Soul" should not be construed as a celebration of Billy Graham, the man, but rather as a way to share the Gospel message through the stories of the hymns. "The message is the same as Mr. Graham's always was his whole life," said Prickett. "God loves YOU ... wherever you are (and) no matter what you've done. It's never too late to start a relationship with Jesus Christ." She noted that she and her fellow singers always hope that audience members leave feeling a little happier and more hopeful. Prickett said that those who attend find the songs moving and will often tell her that they grew up singing the songs or that they have another connection to the music. She noted that her favorite moment is the end of the program when the Gospel message is presented and "Amazing Grace" and "Because He Lives" are sung. "We leave people with the hope and peace that only Jesus can provide," she said.

More information may be found at http://www.thensingsmysoulpa.com.