What began as a small group of Christians desiring to put up a light nativity as part of the Layton Christmas display, has grown into a huge choir and orchestra who has such a large following that the venue for the Christmas concert has moved to the new Western Sports Park in Farmington. At its beginning in 2007, a small group of people sang Christmas carols around the newly lighted nativity in the park. The Layton Christian Academy, Westminster Presbyterian Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church would then prepare some Christmas music and then share it with each other in the park before lighting the nativity. In 2015, A woman of vision and energy, Mary Ann Pulham, began organizing a large choir that included singers from all the faiths to supplement individual church music. After these concerts at the nearby Layton High School, a candlelight procession would make its way to the park to see the nativity lighted while singing “Silent Night,” on a Sunday in November. Last year, the growing number of the audience prompted a move to the Layton Conference Center. Many concert goers, however, were turned away as this venue filled up completely. The Western Sports Park venue will allow thousands to take advantage of the free tickets to view guest artists and choir accompanied by a full orchestra celebrating Christmas.  

The participants of the choir and orchestra come from 17-18 different faiths. The rehearsals are held at different buildings such as the auditorium of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Centerville, the chapel of the Kaysville Tabernacle, and the largest venue at the Christian Life Center in Layton. “Rehearsing in different buildings is a game changer,” said Pulham. “It breaks down barriers and allows christians to enjoy each other’s traditions, beliefs and practices.” Different faith leaders give a small devotional during rehearsals as candles of the advent are lighted which provides a “unifying feeling of gratefulness for the message of Christ.”

Almost as soon as the Christmas concerts began, plans were announced for the interfaith choir to do an Easter program also. The Easter program is a narrative musical celebration of Christ’s life called “The Lamb of God” written by Rob Gardner. This extravaganza is held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle each year to a large audience. “Turning to Christ through these concerts can help those going through myriad trials such as losing a spouse or other family member,” said Pulham. “Many are starved for spiritual experiences and desire to come closer to the Savior and other people.”