Uniquely American hymns and spirituals from the 18th and 19th centuries will rattle the rafters of La Cañada Presbyterian Church when it presents “God’s Trombones and Spiritual Americana” on Sunday, March 25 at 4 p.m. The program will showcase the church’s 50-voice choir and 45-piece orchestra, plus soloists Rev. Dr. Allen L. Williams and his wife Marcheta from the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pasadena.

“God’s Trombones” is based on the inspirational sermons of African-American preachers, reimagined as poetry by James Weldon Johnson. The verse reverberates with the musicality and splendid eloquence of familiar spirituals.

“If you enjoy the great hymns of the church in stirring arrangements, this is the concert for you,” said Jack Lantz, LCPC’s director of Music and Worship Arts who will conduct the program. “Every arrangement is a gem and presents the inspiring texts in a very special way. We invite the community to bathe in the splendor of our great American heritage of folk hymns and spirituals.”

The concert will include familiar spirituals such as “Deep River,” “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Amazing Grace.” From the Revolutionary War period will be two hymns that were sung by American soldiers on the battlefield: “Chester” and “When Jesus Wept.” Rounding out the convert will be arrangements for choir and orchestra of 19th-century American “shape-note” folk hymns, including “Saints Bound for Heaven,” “Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort,” “We’ll Shout and Give Him Glory” and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

The concert will be presented in the church sanctuary, 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge. Tickets are $15 general admission, $20 reserved and $10 children. They may be purchased from Lori MacDonald (626) 794-1522, at the church office (818) 790-6708 or at the door. For more information about LCPC and its programs, visit lacanadapc.org or call (818) 790-6708.