By LORETTA FULTON

Everyone got in on the fun at the last of three Advent Music Series concerts sponsored by the Grace Museum.

The last concert was held Dec. 18 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, all decked out in Christmas splendor. Seven speakers introduced seven Christmas carols, providing a little history. And then the large crowd gathered for the concert joined in singing the carols, accompanied by Dustin Tatro on the organ.

 

In the photo at left Katrina Fink, Becky Tucker, and Xiayu Mitchell enjoy refreshments and visiting following a Christmas concert Dec. 18 at First Baptist Church. At left, Carlene Spicer enjoys the concert music. Photos by Loretta Fulton

Todd Wilson, pastor for worship & music, welcomed the gathering and introduced “The First Noel.”

The traditional English carol has no known authorship, Wilson said. The French word “Noel” is Provencal “nadal” from the Latin “natalis,” meaning “birthday.” The tune was arranged by John Stainer, compser and arranger who served as organist with distinction at St. Paul’s Cathedral from 1872 to 1888.

The concert at First Baptist wrapped up the Advent Music Series for 2018. The first concert was held Dec. 4 at the Grace Museum, featuring the Key City Jazz Quartet. The second was held Dec. 11 at the Abilene Philharmonic office, featuring a piano, cello, and violin.