John Hallett V

Continuing in
John Hallett: From A to Z

V = Vessel of Honor

V in John Hallett’s life could represent a number of things.

Visionary. One friend said that John was “ahead of his time.” Musically, I believe he was. He was one of the early music editors of a major music publishing firm, Rodeheaver. He produced much music for the church including a vision for instrumental music. His brass series by Erik Leidzen was one of the early series for church orchestras. I remember as a young church musician in the 1970s observing that there was not a whole of instrumental music available for church orchestra. There were a few series but that was it. John had the vision for instrumental music, most likely because of his work and association with the Salvation Army. The Army was light years ahead of the local evangelical church in its instrumental program.

John was also a visionary with the John Hallett Chorale and Orchestra. John always strove for excellence in all that he did. The Chorale and Orchestra was another example of him taking church musicians to another musical level.

Versatile would be another v-word. Versatile can mean the ability to turn with ease from one thing to another. John was comfortable writing for choral, piano or instrument, as well as performing with at the piano as a soloist or accompanist, conducting a choir or a choral workshop. John loved people and could engage them with his kind spirit. He could move from editing music to pruning the rose bushes in his yard. Yet, with all of his versatility he maintained his focus: Jesus! This brings us to the main v-word:

Vessel of Honor. I choose this term from the New Testament writings of the Apostle Paul who wrote two letters to his son in the faith, Timothy. In the second letter he talks to Timothy about utensils in the house! Now how spiritual or informative can that be? Paul had written another letter to the Corinthian church in which he stated that before you can understand the spiritual, you must first understand the natural.

46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:46-49)


So Paul says to Timothy: "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. (21) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (The New American Standard Bible)


Or in more contemporary language: “In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (New Living Translation)


John Hallett was truly a Vessel of Honor who was always “ready for the Master to use him for every good work.”

He described his understanding of music in “An Open Letter To Sanctuary Choir Members” (undated):


“Music, when submitted to the power of the Holy Spirit, can be a powerful instrument for God. How imperative it is, therefore, that every Christian who attempts to sing or play sacred music does it in complete yieldedness to the Holy Spirit and with the proper motive and attitude. Only one who has personally experienced Christ’s redemptive work can have a harmonious life that produces a true song upon the lips. Hence, such a person should desire to proclaim that message as effectively as possible to others so that they too may desire the source of his inner joy. A church choir, however, can have a worthy ministry only to the extent that each individual member realizes the importance of church music and desires to develop his own talent. As individuals become aware of their musical development and increase in spiritual effectiveness, they will realize greater personal satisfaction and joy in Christian service.


The main purpose of a choir is not mere entertainment or the display of individual talent. Rather, it is the blending of many talents and personalities into a composite force that has unusual possibilities for providing inspiration, warmth and unity to a service. Music can often present spiritual truths that can be accomplished in no other way.


You have been told that 75% of all church choirs are a failure! To be a success, you must take the music message off the paper, into your hearts, and then into the hearts of the congregation. It is your responsibility to give them a message each Sunday, and to be a blessing to them. You must give them your very best, not second best.”

John not only “talked the walk” but he “walked the talk.” He modeled this for his choirs, his students, associates and everyone with whom he came in contact.

One friend expresses how John modeled Christ to others in a handwritten letter to Ruth dated June 1, 2000:

“My dear Ruth:


John’s departure is not his loss but ours—yours and mine and the many others who knew him, admired him, and loved him for the mighty person that he was. As an artist he leaves behind more than most of us can in his music that so many of us find solace in.

I, for one, cannot recall being with John when he wasn’t soft and caring for those people and things about him. What a gift he gave me thru the privilege of knowing him. What an example he has set for others—like me and mine.”

May we all follow John’s example and live our lives always ready for the Master to use us for every good work.