The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1922-12-21
Christmas Cantata.

CnuTCu q Ucdutl1oi iiASSAAAeAS SNA
ice was held. The main feature of
the evening was Christmas cantata
sung by a chorus of eighteen OF
Kingstree's best voices and directed
by Mrs. G. A. McElveen, whose un-
tiring efforts to promote the cause
of music in Kingstree are greatly
appreciated by the towns people.
The cantata was "The Everlasting
Light" bv Ira B. Wilson. and much
of the text was taken from the. beau
tiful verses of Scripture that tell Of
the coming and alteration Of the
Master. Printed programs that con-
tanned all the words that were sung
AIDED much to the pleasure of the
congregation, who were thus able to
follow the singers perfectly.
After a beautiful organ voluntary,
the program opened with a brief ad-
dress of welcome by the Rev. j. P.
Inabnet, pastor of the church. The
old, beloved Christmas hymns, "Joy
to the World" and "Holy Night,
Silent Night" were sung by the en-
tire congregation, and appropriate
verses of Scripture were, read by the
Rev. J. w. Davis, of the Presbyterian
church. Presiding Elder Derrick led
in prayer, after which the cantata
begun with an organ introduction,
played by Mrs. J. C. Kelley, organist
of the church. The remaining num-
bers were as follows:
Bass Solo and Chorus, Break
Fourth Into JOY" E. o. Baker and
Chorus. Quarette, "He Shall Feed
His Flock" Mrs. W. S. Gilland, Miss
Elizabeth Speigner, the Rev. F.. G..
Hawkins, of the Baptist church, and
L. w. Gilland.
Soprano Solo and Chorus for Wom
ems Voices, "The People That Walk
ed In Darkness" Mrs. G. A. McEl-
veen and Women's Chorus.
Chorus: "Thy Light is Come"
Soprano Solo with Quartette Ac-
companiement, Bethlehem" Mrs. B
v. Singleton, solo, and Mrs. 6. A.
McElveen, Mrs. M. F. Montgomery,
R. N. Spegner and E. o. Baker.
Tenor Solo: "And There Were
Shepherds" the Rev. Frank Hawkins.
Chorus: "Hail to The Lords An
nointed."
Contralto Solo with Quartette Ac-
companiement: "The Virgins Lul-
laby,D Mrs. McElveen, solo, and Mrs.
w. S. Gilland, Miss Elizabeth Speig-
ner, F. C. Hawkins and L. w. Gilland.
Contraltlo and Baritone Duet:
Groom in MY Heart for Thee" Mrs.
M. F. Montgomery and E. O. Baker.
Final Chorus, "Allelulia.'
It would be hard to say which
number was most enjoyed by the
audience, but it is certain that each
and every one met with sincere and
earnest appreciation. The fact that
the church was packed throughout,
the church proper as well as the Sun
day school rooms and that every aisle
was filled with chairs, attested the
fact that Kingstree people had en-
joyed the Easter cantata which Mrs.
McElveen had directed and that they
were eager for good music.
After the last Allelulia Of the
chorus had died away, the organ
pealed forth the inspiring strains OF
the old Doxology, and the congrega-
ton rose and joined the choir in
singing praise God From Whom All
Blessings Flow" after which the
services were closed with the bene-
diction, pronounced by the Rev. John
Ridout, of the Episcopal church.
Not the least enjoyable part of the
services were the beautiful decora-
tions which brought out in every de-
tail the joy of the Christmas season.
Smilax and holly were used in pro-
fusion, while red poinsettias and gay
Christmas bells added their note Of
festivity. Red candles cleaning in
tall silver candelabra gave the final
touch to the dignifed beauty Of the
whole.