The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

UNDER THE theme “That First Christmas Night,” the ladies ministry of the Mt Moriah Baptist Church, Farrington Road, will host its fifth annual candlelight service this coming Sunday.

Kicking off at 7pm, The Ladies Chorus will provide live music directed by the church’s music director, Darville “Sonny” Walkine, accompanied by long-time friend of the congregation and noted church musician, Jeffery Sturrup. Organisers said this event, year after year, provides the ladies an avenue to express themselves and treat patrons to a delightful evening of uplifting Christmas music.

“A slot is always dedicated to the Ladies Ministry in the church’s calendar to produce an event. This is their contribution to the calendar. This is the fifth effort and the ladies are very enthused by the progress witnessed over the period. I am looking forward to a great turn out by the public, and their being totally pleased at having chosen to attend the event,” said Mr Walkine, Mt Moriah Baptist Church’s Director of Music.

He went on to paint a picture for readers, saying: “Ever wonder what it was like on that first Christmas night? What was the weather like? With what were persons busying themselves? What were the sounds, the smells? Just how Mary and Joseph were faring? Just what was it like? Well, the Ladies Ministry of the Mt Moriah Baptist Church will help you to wander and wonder in your mind’s eye on that first Christmas night as they present this candlelight service on Sunday,” said Mr Walkine.

Jeanetta Ellis, although having resigned as president of the Ladies Ministry at Mt Moriah Baptist Church, was still charged with organising the annual presentation. Ms Ellis said she is just as anxious as patrons to hear the upcoming presentation and show, as she herself has been unable to participate in the practice sessions due to the health challenges of her husband and herself at this time.

“I expect that this year’s presentation will equal and even surpass last year’s. The ladies have been very committed to their practice preparations and so I expect that they will deliver their very best. Again, the selections represent a very good mix of the old familiar and the not so familiar carols and Christmas music. There will be something for every taste. So folk can look forward to spending a delightful hour or so with us,” said Ms Ellis.

She added that she was particularly delighted to be invited to oversee the production this year even after leaving office as president at the beginning of the year. She is happy to continue a legacy of this annual presentation which is beginning to build up a following.

Mr Walkine said he is also particularly pleased with the ladies’ effort. And although the practice sessions have been intense, the ladies were more than enthusiastic and their commitment will show in the end product.

“The chorus is some 17 members strong, and the programme’s duration is just over an hour. The Mt Moriah Baptist Church is located on Farrington Road, just west of the BCPOU hall and the Lynden Pindling Building. There is no admission charge but an offering will be taken,” said Mr Walkine.