The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts Interfaith Concert in Duncanville
Mary Ann TaylorFeatured Photo: Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Choir. Photo by Jim Brunson.
An informal meeting in the evening is sometimes called a “fireside.” The term has been in use since the 1930s, reminiscent of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s radio talks to the American people. One or more interesting speakers talk on a range of topics. Refreshments are usually—or always—served afterward.
To transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas this year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered and invited interfaith friends to join them for a musical evening in Duncanville. It was unusual because there was no spoken program. After a brief introduction and welcome, talented musicians from around the area played and sang. The oldest was over 70; the youngest, just 5 years old. And yes, refreshments did follow.
A choir from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, dressed in their white robes and head coverings, sang a cappella. This faith tradition began in Nigeria. Listeners could not understand the words, but the singers’ joy and light were clearly felt.
Rylee Noble, an accomplished violinist, played “Angels We Have Heard on High” accompanied by Ashley Walker. It was a thrilling arrangement, with a piano part as difficult as the one for violin, Rylee said.
Rylee Noble, accompanied by Asjley Walker David Pelton, Keith Earl, Jeannette Walker, and Susanna Earl Mary Ann Taylor
A quartet sang “How Great Thou Art.” Father and daughter Keith and Susanna Earl teamed up with Jeannette Walker and David Pelton, from the DFW Family Church.
Two sisters—Elena and Audrey Herrin—each played piano solos, “Carol of the Bells” and “Hallelujah.”
Audrey Herrin Ruby Lee and Julie Anderson Elena Herrin
Ruby Lee sang from the piano in a duet with Julie Anderson, “I Asked the Lord.”
Savannah and Grace Reynolds sang “The First Noel” with their dad, Todd. A flutist played along, too.
Todd, Savannah and Grace Reynolds Sister Adamson
“Silent Night” came to us from Sister Adamson, a young missionary.
A men’s quartet sang “Away in a Manger,” a cappella. A quartet of teens–Peyton Anderson, Amelia Castillo, Alisia Castillo, and Kate Clarke—sang “Born to Wear a Crown,” accompanied by Julie Anderson.
Phillip Johnson,Tyler Sundrud, Spencer Knaras, and Jonathan Douglass Kate Clarke, Peyton Anderson, Amelia Castillo, Alisia Castillo Mindi Holloway
The final number, “The Gift,” was an original composition by Jason Holloway. He played guitar while his entire family sang about a baby born long ago, from the perspective of His Father.
A fireside suggests a warm place to be. Love and faith warm us as well. Inviting families, friends, and neighbors to share that joy was a great beginning to the special season.
Photos of the Concert by Jim Brunson
