By Hannah Barnes, Student Reporter

Anyone walking through the large wooden doors of First Baptist Church Tuesday night was immediately immersed in the Christmas spirit created by the extravagant Christmas Vespers performance sponsored by the ACU Music Department.

The actual concert began at 8:15 p.m., but a musical prelude began at 8 o’clock. This prelude had several classical pieces performed by guest organist Wes Gomer, by harpist Julie Eichelberger and finally by the ACU Orchestra. The prelude music set the stage for the practically unimaginable wonders of the rest of the evening’s performance.

After giving a warm welcome, Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, promised enduring the post- Christmas parade traffic would be well worth the audience’s time once the concert began. Needless to say, it was worth the wait.

The audience was asked to stand for the bidding prayer; after the prayer, ACU’s A Cappella chorus lined the walls of the sanctuary, beginning in the back and making its way to the front, as singers sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

The audience, stunned and moved by the first performance, was asked to sit, and the rest of the concert continued to unfold beautifully.

Several readings from the Old and New Testaments were made as a quiet invitation for the audience to an openness with God. Between each reading, performances, such as Candlelight Carol sung by the University Chorale and I Saw Three Ships sung by the A Cappella Chorus, drifted through the church. Along with specialty songs, several hymns were performed, and the audience was asked to join in the classic Christmas carols.

Although the concert involved mainly ACU performers, several guests participated. Violin soloist John Madura plays with the Abilene Philharmonic and is the Principle Violin of the Midland Symphony.

Greg Straughn, chair of the Music Department, said Madura was amazing. Besides Madura, Wes Gomer from McMurry University played wonderfully on the organ, as did guest Dan Mitchell on the guitar.

Another aspect that added immeasurable depth to the concert was the fact the performers utilized facilities which were unavailable last year. The use of the organ and balcony created something very special during the event; the organ was played beautifully throughout, and the heavenly voices of the A Cappella chorus rang through the church when the singers took their places on the balcony above the audience.

Straughn said he was proud of the excellent turnout for the event, which was the second annual Christmas Vespers. “There was a fantastic crowd.

The organ was awesome, the violinist amazing. Everything was picture perfect,” Straughn said.

Straughn said several audience members told him how the entire show was a great blessing.

Dr. Steven Ward, associate professor of music and director of bands, agreed.

“Everyone did a fantastic job,” Ward said. “It was very meaningful to me.”

Contact Barnes at jmcnetwork@acu.edu