Virtual concert to highlight SU Divinity School’s 100-year journey

Silliman University (SU) Divinity School is set to celebrate a century of faithful service through a virtual choir concert titled “Layag” on June 30, 2021 at 7 p.m. via Facebook Live at its official Facebook Page, “Silliman University Divinity School Centennial 2021.”

Layag, which means “to sail,” is a virtual production that narrates the journey of the SU Divinity School; beginning from the music of the early missionaries, to the latter contextualization and indigenization of worship through the Cebuano hymns composed by Dr. Elena G. Maquiso, a professor of Christian Education; and up until the birth of new compositions through the Liturgy and Music Program of the formation, which was named after Maquiso.

The musical presentations, representing the decades past, reflect how the formation center’s story was shaped by the socio-political-cultural context of the country.

Gifting the audience with musical renditions are the choirs of UCCP Cagayan de Oro City, UCCP Dipolog City Church, UCCP Congregational Church at the Crossroad (Davao City), UCCP Baguio, UCCP Batangas City, UCCP Dr. Graham Memorial Church (Tagbilaran, Bohol), Bradford UCCP (Cebu City), UCCP Dubai Fellowship and the SU Church.

Select alumni of SU Divinity School, former members of the Banikanhong Magdudula, and the graduates of the Liturgy and Music program will also share their gifts of music during the concert.

The concert will give tribute to the many servant-leaders who offered their life and commitment to ministerial formation with their mentorship of thousands of alumni who are now serving as church workers, educators, development workers, and leaders in various organizations in the country and abroad.

In retrospect, the Silliman Bible School, (formerly known as the College of Theology, now SU Divinity School) was formally opened on June 1, 1921. For the last century, it has served as a center for theological education not only in the Philippines but also in Asia and the world.

By August 2021, alumni and church workers will gather virtually to celebrate the centenary of the SU Divinity School in time for the 60th installment of the Church Workers Convocation. A thousand participants are expected to join in this virtual celebration including alumni, church workers, partners, benefactors, former teachers, and friends of the formation center.

(Report by Klein Fausto Emperado, SUDS Centennial 2021 Special Project Staff)