Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian

In 2007-2008, the First Presbyterian Church of Vernon, Texas will be celebrating Jesus Christ through the witness of George Frederick Handel’s Messiah.

In 1741, Handel received a letter from Charles Jennens who had written some lyrics for Handel in the past. In the letter, Jennens sought Handel’s help to set music for a compilation of Scripture about the Christ of God. Whether inspired by financial need, talent, the divine, or a combination, Handel wrote the entire musical score in twenty-four days. The Messiah premiered in Dublin on April 13, 1742. Ever since the Messiah’s premiere on April 13, 1742, the piece has provoked devotion, inspiration and comfort to many.

During this Christmas season, the First Presbyterian Church will be providing Sunday School classes at all levels about the Christian witness found in the Messiah. Lance Bohannon, the church’s organist, will be leading the adults through Carol Bechtel’s curriculum, “Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel’s Messiah.” The youth will also be focusing on the Scriptural texts used in the composition. In addition, the children will be preparing for a Christmas program on December 19th inspired by the musical work.

In worship, the First Presbyterian Church’s choir will be offering pieces from the Messiah throughout December. The pastor, Rev. James Hodsden, will also be preaching the Scripture texts studied in the Sunday School classes. Finally, the church will be taking folks to Wichita Falls to a Messiah performance on December 16th. “We have a wonderful opportunity to glorify and enjoy God through the words of Scripture and great music,” said Rev. Hodsden.

First Presbyterian Church is located across from Vernon High School at the corner of Paradise and Yucca. Sunday School begins at 9:30 am with worship beginning at 10:50 am.

For further information:
First Presbyterian Church of Vernon, Texas
940-553-3925
vernonpres@sbcglobal.net