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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (11/06)
Contact: Rev. Betsy Eaves, Chaplain, 318-869-5156; or Lynn Stewart or Kelsey Johnson, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120 or 318-841-7265

Public Invited to Centenary's Annual Christmas Candlelight Service Dec. 1 in Brown Chapel


Brown Chapel is the site for Centenary's annual Christmas Candlelight Service (Centenary News Service File Photo).

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College will share an annual Christmas tradition with the public on Friday, Dec. 1, when it presents its Christmas Candlelight Service, a program of readings, music, song, a Christmas message and candlelighting in Brown Memorial Chapel. The program is free and open to the public. Pre-service music, Corelli's Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 8, will be performed by the Hurley Orchestra Strings beginning at 5:45 p.m., with the service beginning at 6 p.m.

Music will be provided by the Centenary Camerata, Cantare and Chorale singers, conducted by Dr. Julia B. Thorn; the Centenary College Choir, directed by Dr. Will K. Andress and accompanied by Mandy Bourgeois and Drew Ley; the Hurley Orchestra Strings directed by Dr. Todd Gabriel; and Dr. Hollice Watson, organist.

The Centenary Choir will present "What Sweeter Music" and "African Carol."

Camerata will sing "Mirabile Mysterium" and "Heavenly Light." Chorale will sing "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" and the Cantare, consisting of all-female voices, will present "Gabriel's Ave."

Soloists the Hurley Orchestra Strings' prelude will be violinists Tim Nicholson and Cody Andrews and cellist David Pennywell.

Centenary students reading scriptures are Jennifer Bouso, Pat Harris-Smith, Trae Milam and Katie McNeill. The Rev. Betsy B. Eaves, chaplain of the college, will bring an Advent message, "What About the Sheep?"

Dr. Peter Huff, who holds the T.L. James Chair of Religious Studies, will present the invocation, and the Rev. Mimi McDowell, director of church relations, will lead the Advent litany. The Rev. Eaves will give the blessing at the conclusion of the service.

The congregation will be invited to sing several familiar Christmas hymns, including O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; O Come All Ye Faithful; Silent Night; and Joy to the World. Dr. Watson will accompany the hymns and will play the postlude, Praise Be to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Members of the Maroon Jackets honor organization will distribute programs and candles. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive by 5:45 p.m. to enjoy the orchestra prelude and request that everyone enter the chapel in a spirit of quiet reverence.

After the service, the congregation is invited to attend a reception with refreshments and visit with Santa in Magale Library. For further information, contact the Centenary Chaplain’s Office at 318-869-5156.

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