On Friday, June 26, 2026, approximately 1,500 people from across the Kansas City Metro Area gathered for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Watch Party in Independence MO. Before the broadcast began, community members, missionaries and friends gathered for a dinner of pulled pork sandwiches, chips, water, and cookies – as well as family yard games – on the lawn of the Independence stake center.

Attendees were invited to bring boxes of cereal to donate to the Community Services League in Kansas City, resulting in 403 boxes collected.

Before the broadcast began, musical performances took place inside the Community of Christ Auditorium. A Primary Children’s Choir with children from 10 surrounding stakes sang “America the Beautiful.” A Missionary Choir from the Independence MO Mission sang “Called to Serve” and “I am a Child of God.” A Polynesian Choir from Independence MO sang “I will Walk with Jesus” in Tongan, as well as “Thank God, the Giver” in Samoan. The Mount Christian Worship Center Choir, under the direction of Pastor Willie Thornton, performed “I Am a Friend of God,” “Total Praise,” and “I Trust You.” The final performance was by the Liberty Community Chorus under the direction of Bryan Taylor, with Nannett Kraus as accompanist. The choir performed “I Hear America Singing,” “All Things New,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with “Climb Every Mountain,” and “Amazing Grace.”

Gary B. Porter, second counselor in the Tabernacle Choir Presidency, and his wife Debbie attended the event.

“We’re thrilled to be here! You’re part of the history of the church,” Gary Porter said to those in attendance. “We’ve never done this before. We’re broadcasting this live stream across over 700 stakes across the United States tonight. Congratulations, you’re part of the first,” he said.
The broadcast was then shared on three screens inside the Community of Christ Auditorium.
Elder G. Michael Ortiz, Area Seventy, said, “It was a wonderful evening. The watch party brought together members of our faith and friends from throughout the community, providing a meaningful opportunity to gather in fellowship and enjoy an inspiring performance by the Tabernacle Choir and the talented guest artists. One of the most touching moments of the evening was hearing the hymn ‘I Am a Child of God.’ We didn’t just listen to the hymn; we all joined together in singing it. As our voices united, we were reminded of our divine identity and God’s love for each of His children. The concert invited the Spirit, strengthened our faith, and created lasting memories. It was a beautiful reminder that inspired music has the power to unite people, uplift hearts, create hope, and bring us closer to the Savior.”

Missouri State Representative Carolyn Caton was visibly touched by the choir’s performance. She joined singing in the Hallelujah Chorus with a strong alto voice and wiped tears away after hearing Katharine McPhee and Daniel Emmet perform “The Prayer.” She said, “I sang that piece with a man in my church, but I sang in Italian so I sang the Italian parts.” She left the performance hugging her hosts and saying, “That was wonderful! I was so touched.”

Bryan Taylor, artistic director of the Liberty Community Chorus in Liberty, MO, led the Liberty Community Chorus before the watch party.

“I got to rehearse with the Tabernacle Choir a couple years ago. Mack Wilberg and Craig Jessup came down. We’ve had a great relationship with them. What an honor it is to be here, to bring our chorus. We have about 90 in the choir. We brought 80 tonight. What an honor to help them celebrate this great 100-year celebration and to see the families brought together, particularly between The Mormons and the Community of Christ, the way you all work together and to be in such a large venue. All the volunteers were great and all came together to make it a success. We’ve never performed here and it’s so rich to add to the Tabernacle Choir’s celebration, to do some of their music. Our choir sang Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “Amazing Grace.’ “

Anthony Schobitz of Liberty MO was recently baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 20, 2026. He attended the event and shared, “I had a wonderful time attending the Tabernacle Choir Watch Party. The performance was excellent, and I enjoyed getting to hear the choir sing “Amazing Grace” with the bagpipes. “Amazing Grace” was one of the first songs I used to listen to with my Grandma Debbie while I was growing up. It’s always had a significant value to my heart because she introduced me to Christ and helped guide me in my journey of exploring faith. After she passed away, it still feels like she’s guiding me in heaven to build a stronger relationship with our Heavenly Father. I picked “Amazing Grace” to be the opening song at my baptism a few weeks ago.”

President Alan Wimmer, Second Counselor in the Kansas City Stake Presidency, and Heather Wimmer, Kansas City Stake Communication Director, hosted Kenneth and Melodye Moore at the event. Both Kenneth and Melodye are choir directors who came to Kansas City specifically to help inner-city kids in Kansas City public schools. Kenneth sang at the Giving Machine events in Kansas City in December 2025. Injured in a terrible car accident in March, he hasn’t been able to work. He had physical therapy a day before the watch party and didn’t even know if he would be able to make it to the event. His wife, Melodye, kept feeling like they should attend and made sure he was there. They made it to the concert, but they weren’t sure they would be able to stay because loud noises are hard for Kenneth with his injuries. After the concert, Melodye and Kenneth were excited to visit with Gary and Debbie Porter. Melodye said, “Photographer Valerie Anderson who heard Ken perform at the Giving Machines gave Ken a glowing recommendation! Mrs. Porter asked for our contact information and invited Ken to audition. That was a life-changing event! Thank you for inviting us! It was so great!” Melody then added, “We will definitely stay in touch and visit Salt Lake! So glad Ken was feeling better! Heather Wimmer joined me in praying for him all night. Whew!”