Musical Christmas programs led by two of Logan County’s most respected directors will be presented Sunday. Mary Beth Dowden will direct the deGraffenried Chorale while Larry Vaught will direct a church choir and a community chorus in North Logan.

The deGraffenried Chorale originally was created in mid-twentieth century with funding from the Thomas P. deGraffenried Legacy. It has continued ever since, usually under the direction of the late Hazel Carver pr Dowden. Both are retired Russellville music teachers.

Chorale members usually practice once a week most of the year except during summer months, Ms. Dowden said in an appearance on WRUS this week.

This year’s program is entttled “Noels & Hallelujahs.” It begins at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Temple on Russellville’s South Main Street. Admission is free but the chorale would appreciate monetary support from those able to make donations.

What Director Larry Vaught calls an opportunity “to experience a great time of Christmas worship will be conducted at two North Logan churches this Sunday, as the Oak Grove Baptist Christmas Choir and the Lewisburg Community Choir will be performing “Joy Has Dawned,” a musical focusing on the birth of Jesus and how his life brings Joy and Healing to our lives today!
The Christmas Choir at Oak Grove Baptist Church off of Morgantown Road will be performing their musical during the 11 a.m. worship hour in the sanctuary. Featured soloists include Paige Copen and Taylor Trefhalen.

An evening performance of the same musical will be at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Lewisburg, starting at 6 p.m. by members of the Lewisburg Community, a singing group which meets weekly from a variety of denominations and church families.

Vaught, who has been music minister at both churches and directed many community youth musicals, adds, “As part of this service, we will be receiving a love offering to support the Lewisburg Benevolence Fund, which assists local families with financial needs.”