Centenary Christmas Celebration to Include Public Service of Music, Readings, Candlelighting Dec. 1 in Brown Chapel

SHREVEPORT, LA -- Centenary College's 2000 annual Candlelight Christmas Celebration will include a public service of readings, prayer, music, song and candlelighting on Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. in Brown Memorial Chapel. The program is free and open to the public. 

Music will be provided by Professor Ronald E. Dean, organist; the Centenary Camerata Singers conducted by Dr. Julia B. Thorn; the Centenary College Choir, conducted by Dr. Will Andress; and the Centenary Brass Quintet, led by Dr. Thomas Stone, band director.

The Camerata Singers are a group of 48 students, most of whom are music majors. music majors. They will sing He Came Here for Me by Ron Nelson, Ave Maria by Javier Busto, Allon Gay Bergeres by Costeley and Hallelujah from Handel's Messiah. The Centenary Brass Quintet will present gathering music for Christmas.

The Centenary Choir, a 60-member group, will present Sir Christemas, What is This Lovely Fragrance? before the brief Christmas message and then will sing So Blest a Sight and On This Day Earth Shall Ring. Rebecca Geihsler will sing a solo during So Blest A Sight. Accompanists will be Emily Pinnix and Jerry Don Killian.

The congregation will be invited to sing several familiar Christmas hymns, including O Come, All Ye Faithful; Angels We Have Heard on High; Silent Night, and Joy to the World. Professor Dean will accompany the hymns and will play the postlude Good News from Heaven the Angels Bring by Pachelbel.

During the service, selected readings and prayers will be led by Dr. Jack O'Dell, chaplain, and students representing the Centenary School of Church Careers: Laci Adams, Lynn Bryan, Katie McKay, Susanna Miller and Valerie Olson.

Playing in the Brass Quintet will be Sharon Basham and Joey Legg, trumpets; Rolin Moe, horn; Thomas Stone, trombone; and Josh Fisher, tuba.

After the service, the congregation is invited to attend a reception and visit with Santa Claus in Magale Library. For further information, contact the Centenary Office of Public Relations at 318-869-5120.

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