Photos by Mathew McGraw / Slideshow / Livestream
WASHINGTON – It's not something the Grand Canyon University students in Critical Mass could have imagined, belting their hearts out at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
They had a view of the U.S. Capitol in the distance, its distinctive rotunda inspiring the spiritual hymns they wrapped their vocal prowess around, such as “Go Down Moses,” “Where Could I Go?” and “I Shall Not Be Moved.”
But that was the reality for the 14 vocalists, gathered with thousands of spectators, speakers and performers in the heart of the nation's capital on Sunday to celebrate the country’s reaffirmation as “one nation under God” during Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving.
The event, hosted by America250, was one of the many yearlong initiatives celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“It was really crazy, definitely a huge honor,” senior Luke Lundberg said. “We sing at every single GCU graduation, so it’s usually like 5,000 people in the audience. Just this semester, we did 13, so we end up singing a bunch. But I will say this (performing at Rededicate 250) is probably the biggest thing we’ve done.”
Staged between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, the event featured national leaders, pastors and public servants as guest speakers. Some included Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson, and 56th Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana).
Between addresses, prayers and special tributes, various musical artists took the stage, such as two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes, Grammy-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin, Liberty University Praise and the United States Navy Band.
GCU Worship Arts Director Moises Felipe and alumnus Andy Frank were part of the nine-member group of Phoenix worship leaders that kicked off the event early in the morning with songs of praise.
“Andy was asked to put a team together, and he tapped my shoulder,” Felipe said. “The ask was just to set the tone for the day and carry that with a good sense of humility and courage. It was an honor to represent Phoenix and GCU.”
Critical Mass graced the stage with three appearances in the afternoon singing hymns that focused on the faith foundation found in God that resonated with the mission behind Rededicate 250.
“I was excited to see GCU be a part of this historic event,” said GCU Ingram Honors College alumna Aubrey Grasz, who earned bachelor's and master's degrees in communication and recently started a role in D.C. as director of communications for Family Policy Alliance. “I am blown away by the talent of the students and how beautiful the worship music was. It made me really proud as an alum.”
Added Dave Donaldson, co-founder of CityServe and a trustee on GCU's Board of Trustees, “I was in the crowd doing an assessment, and I could see that people were moved. This is a spirit-led campaign to replant our moral biblical values, and GCU stands so tall in that mission. I was so proud to see them up on the stage smiling and ministering.”
Before the 10:45 a.m. call time approached for the group to head to the event venue, they gathered in the hotel lobby for a short devotional and prayer to align their minds with God.
The group read Psalm 34:1, “I will praise the Lord at all times, I will constantly speak His praise,” setting a tone of gratitude and praise for the day, which also coincided with the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Continental Congress proclamation of a national day of fasting and prayer.
“I am glad God is allowing Critical Mass to come and participate,” recent graduate Joanna Heneveld said. “To use our voices to bring Him praise and bring the country back to be one nation under God.
“It’s so hard to put it into words just how magnificent it was to be on that stage. When I got on stage, I was thinking of the words 'where can I go but to the Lord?' That was the message I wanted to say to the crowd. I was looking at each of their individual faces and saw the looks of, just, praise.”
Critical Mass embodied the university’s Christian mission and the focus of the event, as the ensemble delivered a jubilee of praise, prayer and thanksgiving with its repertoire.
The importance of godly unity was exemplified when Music Chair Dr. Juan de Dios Hernandez’s iPad with piano sheet music overheated. The group improvised its song a cappella style. With cohesive snapping and light feet stomping, the group carried on, making the change hardly noticeable.
“We practice a lot, so we are prepared for everything,” Hernandez said. “The students approach everything with a great level of professionalism. Critical Mass emphasizes Christian leadership, so to have our students represent us the way they do, it just makes me very proud of them.”
Throughout the day, the Lopes interacted with Osnes, Hillsdale College Choir members and guests that praised their talents.
The most memorable part came at the end, when Critical Mass joined Christian music artist Blessing Offor onstage as background vocalists.
Just days before the group left for its trip, Offor asked if GCU would sing with him and lead the crowd in some of the most recognized worship songs, including “Goodness of God,” “Amazing Grace” and "Brighter Days."
The ensemble spent roughly 40 minutes rehearsing with Offor on Saturday for the first time, before hitting the big stage at Sunday's event.
“The voices were immaculate,” Offor said of the groundbreaking 2025-26 Critical Mass group, the first to receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of singing on a major national stage. “They were pitch perfect, and it felt like being cradled by perfection. I couldn’t have felt better.”
Added sophomore Samira Doxie, “I was sobbing singing with Blessing. Just speechless and in awe.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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