News Release
November 1999
Six children have been selected to sing the solo portions
of the traditional Moravian hymn "Morning Star" at the six
Moravian and Moravian Theological Seminary Christmas Vespers services
this December.
The Moravian College Choir, conducted by Paula Ring Zerkle,
will be featured in the services that will be held December 3-5 and
10-12 in Central Moravian Church, Main and Church streets, Bethlehem.
Members of the Moravian College music department chose
the following soloists to sing at the annual vespers program:
Lauren Strohl, 11, daughter of Zoeanne and Rodney Strohl,
is a 5th grade student at S.S. Palmer Elementary in Palmerton, Pennsylvania.
Lauren is the cousin of Heather Hillegass, a member of the Moravian
College choir member. Lauren will be the featured Morning Star soloist
at the December 3 service.
David Kemmerer, 10, son of Barbara Doyle Kemmerer and
Donald Kemmerer, is a 4th grade student at Governor Wolf Elementary
in Bethlehem. Both parents are alumni from the class of ’76. David
will be the featured Morning Star soloist at the December 4 service.
Brett Wimmer, 11, son of The Reverend Mark Wimmer (’76)
and Leesa Wimmer, is a 4th grade student at Quakertown Elementary. Brett
will be the featured Morning Star soloist at the December 5 service.
Emily Gasda, 9, daughter of Larry and Elise Gasda, is
in the 4th grade at Spring Garden Elementary in Bethlehem. Emily's mother
is an alumna from the class of ’77 and former member of the Moravian
College choir. Emily will be the featured Morning Star soloist at the
December 10 service.
Elizabeth Brodt, 9, daughter of Ralph Brodt III (’75)
and Christina Brodt, is in the 4th grade at Christ the King School in
Coplay, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth will be the featured Morning Star soloist
at the December 11 service.
Alex Sevilla Queen, 10, son of Alicia Sevilla and Clifford
Queen, is in the 5th grade at Hanover Elementary in Bethlehem. Alex's
mother is a faculty member at Moravian College. Alex will be the featured
Morning Soloist at the December 12 service.
The Morning Star hymn is traditionally sung with a child
soloist and each year auditions are held for the positions. Moravian
Theological Seminary graduate Francis Florentine Hagen composed "Morning
Star" in 1836.
The soloist, choir, and congregation join in singing the
hymn as the church lights are dimmed and the beeswax candles are distributed
by members of the college and seminary community. Moravian College’s
tradition of celebrating the Christmas season with special vespers services
dates back to 1742.
Liturgists for the six services will be Dr. Ervin J. Rokke,
president of the college and seminary; Dr. David A. Schattscheider,
dean and vice president of the seminary; J. Thomas Minor, library director
for the college and seminary; Beverly G. Kochard, vice president for
student affairs and dean of students; Dennis A. Domchek, senior vice
president for administration; and Charles Norman, Chaplain of Moravian
College. Presiding during the services will be J. Christian Giesler,
Chaplain, Moravian College and Theological Seminary.
During the services, seminary students will read text
from the New Testament, college students will read text form the Old
Testament, and members of the faculty and administration will offer
prayers.
The Christmas Vespers services are held for the immediate
college community. Because of overwhelming demand, limited seating is
available for the public by ticket only. A limited number of tickets
are distributed to those making written requests months in advance.
