My column today will be a little different than most of the others. This will be more of a news release for an event that is near and dear to my heart, Chester's annual sacred concert, which is held during Chester's Popeye Picnic. This year's sacred concert will be Sunday, September 11 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chester. An instrumental prelude will begin at approximately 1:40 p.m., followed by the vocal concert at 2 p.m. As I continue here, I'd like to convince you to attend! It will be an hour well spent, I assure you.
Chester's first sacred concert was held in 1979 in conjunction with Chester's sesquicentennial celebration. It was coordinated by Sue Reiman, who played the wonderful pipe organ at St. Mary's. Vocalists, if my memory serves, included Gordon Bovinet, Richard Janssen and Jane Akers Stallman.
Sue continued to coordinate the concert for several years. When she retired, I took the reins.
This year's 38th annual concert falls on the 15th anniversary of the brutal 9/11 terrorist attacks on the USA. Therefore, most of the concert will feature beloved patriotic music. Following is a listing of vocalists and their chosen selections:
Steve Colonel - 1. America, The Beautiful
2. Let Freedom Ring!
Mitchell Colonel - 1. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
2. God Bless America
Chester High School Swing Choir, Directed by Steve Colonel
1. Star Spangled Banner
2. We Honor You
3. God Bless The USA
First Baptist Church, Chester, Directed by Linda Schafer
1. I Love This Land
2. This Is Our Freedom
Ensemble, St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Directed by Jane Stallman
(Don Stallman, Steve Stallman, Shirley McCormick & Jane Stallman)
1. Come To Jesus
2. In Christ Alone
Piano Accompanists: Vicky Beers & Jane Stallman
As I mentioned above, the annual sacred concert is always held in conjunction with Popeye's Picnic. Although there is other music on the picnic grounds, this is the only event of its kind during the picnic weekend. Father Gene and the people of St. Mary's Parish generously welcome us each year into their beautiful air-conditioned sanctuary. We stress that people are welcome to attend in their appropriate picnic attire.
And so, having given you all plenty of advance time, I am hoping that you will plan to attend this wonderful event. Spread the word, please, to family and friends. Chester has so many talented people who give of their time and musical gifts to provide this concert. Come. Enjoy. And thank these vocalists and musicians for what WILL BE a wonderful patriotic concert!
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