The “three solas” of the Reformation were in the spotlight as the Seminary hosted the 500th Anniversary Reformation Service Oct. 31 in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

“In this day and age, in our changed American culture, sometimes our church is a little short in confidence in the Gospel,” said Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. “It is our prayer this evening that this anniversary of the Reformation come at the time that we the church need it, to be inspired again with the confidence and good courage that comes in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The musical celebration was structured around Martin Luther’s “three solas,” with meditations on each of the three teachings central to the Reformation: Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., the Werner R. H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries and director of the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies, offered a meditation on Sola Gratia (Grace Alone); Dr. Peter Nafzger, assistant professor of Practical Theology, offered a meditation on Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone); and Dr. Erik Herrmann, who serves as associate professor of Historical Theology and chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, offered a meditation on Sola Fide (Faith Alone).

The music-filled evening featured two Seminary choirs — Laudamus, the premier seminarian ensemble, and the St. Louis Lutheran Chorale, comprised of Seminary students and their families, staff and musicians from across St. Louis. Performers also included singers and musicians from Lutheran High School South and other area Lutheran schools and congregations. Meyer gave the closing meditation. Attendees received a commemorative 500th Anniversary Reformation Service program that included the meditations on each of the solas — Latin for “alone.” The service was filled to capacity and extra seats were added in the narthex. Overflow seating was added in Sieck Hall.

The takeaway this evening is to God alone be the glory,” Meyer said in his meditation.