Candlelight Service Takes Place Friday, Dec. 4 in Brown Memorial Chapel

Candlelight Service

SHREVEPORT, La.—Centenary College will share an annual Christmas tradition with the public on Friday, Dec. 4, when it presents its Christmas Candlelight Service, a program of readings, prayer, music, song and candle lighting in Brown Memorial Chapel. The program is free and open to the public with the service beginning at 6 p.m.

Music will be provided by the Centenary Camerata and Chorale singers, the Centenary College Choir, and the Centenary Flute Ensemble.   

Camerata will sing Michael McGlynn's Heavenly Light arranged by Peter J. Wilhousky, Lux Aurumque by Eric Whitacre, and Wonderful Peace by Gustaf Nordqvist. The Centenary Chorale will sing Edwin Fissinger's Love Came Down at Christmas.  

The Centenary Choir will present the Herbert Howells' Magnificat, accompanied by Dr. Hollice Watson on organ; Betelehemu with soloist Seth Taylor and accompanied by Michael Jarboe, Trevor Stine, Ruben Reyes and Christine Linschoten on percussion; and Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain by Carolyn Jennings.

The Centenary Flute Ensemble will present the prelude with several selections of gathering music for Christmas and accompanied by Dr. Hollice Watson on organ.

The Reverend Dr. B. David Rowe, president of the College, will lead the Bidding Prayer and give the Benediction, with Dr. Peter Huff, who holds the T.L. James Chair of Religious Studies, leading the Advent Litany. The Rev. Betsy B. Eaves, Centenary chaplain and director of the Christian Leadership Center, will deliver the annual Christmas message.

The congregation will be invited to sing several familiar Christmas hymns, including Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Silent Night; and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

After the service, the community is invited to attend a reception and visit with Santa in Magale Library. For further information, contact the Centenary Chaplain's Office at 318.869.5156.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.