Suffolk News-Herald

The Combined Choir at First Baptist Church, Mahan Street, has been working hard to bring the spirit of Christmas to its congregation and community. Those efforts culminate at 4 p.m. Sunday with the presentation of the musical &uot;Glory.&uot;

According to Dr. Ernest Brown, minister of music at First Baptist Mahan for the past 15 months, &uot;Glory&uot; is arranged and orchestrated by Dave Williamson and includes at least 11 songs.

&uot;It doesn’t take the traditional approach of Christmas carols because some of the traditional ones that are included are soulfully presented,&uot; said Brown. &uot;I conducted this musical production last year at Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and it was a huge success.&uot;

Brown, who is a professor and coordinator of the music program at Norfolk State University, also conducts workshops, gives private music lessons and recitals. He said his many obligations keep him busy, but he wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Virgie Sandifer, chairman of the publicity committee formed to get the word out about the musical, said, &uot;It has been a little while since we have presented a cantata, since our former ministers of music, Mr. James Handy and the late Mr. John Turner, left us. So we are very fortunate to have Dr. Brown to work with us. We are launching out again to do something else great in the community, for the community, and for ourselves.&uot;

Others on the committee are Junius H. Hardee, Joyce Whitley, Emily Bailey, and Harlena Magee.

The church is located at 112 Mahan St. The Rev. Steven Blunt is the pastor.