THOMASVILLE- First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville has long offered special music presentations during the holidays, and again this December, two musical offerings will celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons.

First Presbyterian is offering an evening Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 p.m., with a three-part program, featuring A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and Christmas anthems by Herbert Howells, John Joubert and Felix Mendelssohn, wrapped up with a selection of familiar Christmas carols sung by both the choir and the audience, accompanied by a brass ensemble from the FSU College of Music.

Musicians lending their talents to the Christmas concert, along with the FPC Church Choir, include Dr. Iain Quinn, organist and director; Dr. Noël Wan, harp; and a brass quintet of Brent Creekmore, Benjamin Dubbert, Johniel Nájera, Vincent Aldoretta, and Carter Wessinger.

The December 11 concert takes place in First Presbyterian’s historic church sanctuary, located at the intersection of Dawson and Jackson streets. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free, but a suggested voluntary donation of $15 will benefit First Presbyterian Church’s local mission partners and projects.

FPC’s annual Lessons & Carols, a service of music, Christmas carols and scripture readings, will mark the Advent season this year at both Sunday morning services on December 15. Because of the unique nature of each service – more contemporary at 9 a.m. and more traditional at 11 a.m. – the music featured in each Lessons & Carols service will reflect those distinct worship styles.

Bryan Watt, Director of Arise Worship, is set to helm the early Lessons & Carols presentation, while Quinn, Director of Music and Organist, will direct and oversee music in the traditional service. Senior Pastor Dr. Timothy H. Filston will lead both services, assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. Tyler Wilson and liturgists and readers from the church congregation.

These musical offerings provide a perfectly paired lead-in to Thomasville’s holiday season and the celebration of Christmas.