St. Patrick Church, dedicated in 1926, was built in the Italian Renaissance style, according to a church history. The site was chosen for the recording session because of its size and excellent acoustics, said Father Rodney Schwartz, pastor.

"The Millikin Choir had recently performed at St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburg, Scotland, and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin," said Father Schwartz. "They were amazed that the acoustics here in Pana compared favorably with these famous churches."

The Millikin University Choir, led by Brad Holmes, has appeared at conferences and concert series across the United States. Recent international tours have included China, Taiwan, Scotland, Ireland and England.

Songs included on the album include works of composers from the mid-16th through the 21st century, such as Grieg's Ave Maris Stella, Sweelinck's Gaudete Omnes, and Ericks Ešenvalds' arrangement of the beloved Amazing Grace.

Copies of How Sweet the Sound are available for $10 each at St. Patrick's parish office. Send check or money order to St. Patrick Parish, P.O. Box 440, Pana, IL 62557 or call (217) 562-5396.