With gratitude and appreciation for his 34 years of service as the announcer and writer of the weekly “Music & the Spoken Word” broadcast, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square joins with Lloyd D. Newell to announce his plans to conclude his service with the Choir next year.
Prior to the broadcast of “Music & the Spoken Word” on Sunday, December 10, Newell announced to the members of The Tabernacle Choir that he and his wife, Karmel, have received a calling to preside over a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The location of their missionary calling is still to be announced but it will begin in July 2024, and Newell will continue to serve with the Choir until they depart.
Mission presidents for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are assigned to a specific geographic area and are responsible for supervising and training hundreds of missionaries during their service. Most mission presidents and their wives serve for a period of three years.
“I cannot express what an honor it has been to serve the past 34 years as announcer and writer of ‘Music & the Spoken Word,’” said Newell. “Our call will allow Karmel and me to welcome a new service opportunity. Until then, we will continue to enjoy every week with our dear friends in the remarkable Tabernacle Choir.”
In the 95-year history of The Tabernacle Choir, only three people have served as the principal announcer for the Choir and “Music & the Spoken Word.” Beginning in 1930, Richard L. Evans became the program’s first regular host. Evans held this role until his death in 1971, when he was succeeded by J. Spencer Kinard. Since 1990, Lloyd D. Newell has hosted the program.
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