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Community choir to praise God, country
Published July 4, 2009
The Fourth of July is a time designated to celebrate America’s many freedoms, but in the mind of many community members, that those freedoms are God-given is as much a reason to celebrate.
In the spirit of thanksgiving and celebration, community members have united to sing the praises of the nation and the Lord on Independence Day. First Baptist Church of Clute, First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson, Grace Fellowship, the Brazosport Community Orchestra and others have joined in a Community Choir.
“We wanted to do something special for the community,” said Larry Virnau, music director at First Baptist of Lake Jackson.
That special event is the “There is Freedom Here” concert in the Brazos Mall parking lot at 7:30 p.m. today, immediately before the city’s fireworks display at dusk. The free program is Christ-centered and celebrates freedom, Virnau said.
The choir has been practicing for the last month to bring Brazoria County residents a powerful message of love and gratitude on a day when America’s freedoms are most celebrated.
“The performance expresses how all of our freedoms in the country are based on the freedoms of the Lord,” said Josh Pettijohn, music director at First Baptist Church of Clute.
This is the choir’s second year to sing on the Fourth of July, with new faces added both to the choir and orchestra this year, he said.
“It’s important for people to see we work as a team, as a community of faith,” Pettijohn said.
Pettijohn believes the most moving song will be “Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones,” which tells of soldiers’ sacrifice.
“Blades of grass and pure white stones shelter those who’ve come and gone; just below the emerald sod are boys who reached the arms of God,” the song says.
Terry Pearce, a trombone player for the group, said the concert is a great way from the community to come together. The choir ranges from people as old as their 80s down to teenagers, he said.
Those in attendance will experience the depth of musical talent in the area and the intense patriotism in the community, Pearce said.
The music was easy to learn, Pearce said, especially considering all of the patriotic themes spread throughout songs including “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “When the Saints Go Marching In” and a special feature called “Dixie Land Improvisation,” during which trumpets will be the centerpiece.
Carl Dorman, a trumpet player and member of First Baptist of Lake Jackson, likely will be the trumpeter expected to belt out the on-the-spot music. A key is designated for each stanza, and Dorman works from there, he said.
“He’s really good at that,” said Cadon Fontenot, Grace Bible Church trumpeter.
Fontenot looks forward to using his God-given talent to glorify God and thank him for America, he said.
“I love patriotic tunes,” Fontenot said.
The Community Choir’s performance will be followed by a performance by the Christian group Crossway, and the Lake Jackson fireworks show can be seen from the mall parking lot immediately after.
The concert offers a chance for families to be filled with the spirit of America and a holy spirit.
“I hope they leave with a new appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and have new found purpose for defending our freedoms,” Pettijohn said.
Katlynn Lanham is a reporter for The Facts. Contact her at (979) 237-0150.
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