News Release
November 2000

Morning Star soloists chosen for Moravian College Christmas Vespers program

Three local children have been selected to sing the solo portions of the traditional Moravian hymn "Morning Star" at the six Moravian College 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 1-3 and 8-10 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:

Evan Raines will be the featured Morning Star soloist at the December 1 and December 10 services. He is the son of Ann and Pete Raines of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Evan is 10 years old and a 5th grade student at Moravian Academy. Pete Raines is an alumni from the class of ’76.

Christopher Leiby will be the featured Morning Star soloist at the December 3 service. He is the son of Marilyn and Richard Leiby, Jr. of Fogelsville, Pennsylvania. Christopher is 12 years old and a 7th grade student Springhouse Middle School in the Parkland school district. Richard Leiby is an alumni from the class of ’78 and the MBA class of ’89.

Rebecca Stevens will be the featured Morning Star soloist at the December 2nd, 8th, and 9th services. She is the daughter of Carol and the Rev. Robert Stevens of Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. Rebecca is 11 years old and is in the 6th grade at Orefield Middle School. Rev. Stevens is an alumni from Moravian Theological Seminary class of ’94.

Moravian Theological Seminary graduate Francis Florentine Hagen composed "Morning Star" in 1836.The Morning Star hymn is traditionally sung by a child soloist and each year. Auditions are held for the positions in September.

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. Dr. Curtis A. Keim, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty; Dr. 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 from the Old Testament, and members of the faculty and administration will offer prayers.

The Christmas Vespers services are held for the immediate college community and invited guests. Moravian College is a private, coeducational, selective liberal arts college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tracing its founding to 1742, it is recognized as America's sixth-oldest college. Visit the web site at www.moravian.edu.