News Release
October 2005

Children Selected to Sing Morning Star Solos at Moravian Vespers Services

Bethlehem, Pa., October 27, 2005—Three local children have been selected to sign the solo portions of the traditional Moravian hymn, “Morning Star,” at the Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary Christmas Vespers services in December. The Moravian College Choir, conducted by Paula Ring Zerkle, will be featured in the services that will be held December 2, 3, 4, and 9, 10, 11 at Central Moravian Church, Main and Church Streets, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Members of the Moravian College music department chose Corey Husic (age 10), Hannah Arnold (age 10), and Jacob Anchorstar (age 8), to sing Morning Star at the annual vespers.

Corey Husic is the son of Diane Husic, professor and chair of the Biology Department at Moravian College. Corey is a 5th grader at Moravian Academy in Bethlehem.

Hannah Arnold is the daughter of John and Connie Arnold of Bethlehem. John is an artist-lecturer in music at Moravian College. Hannah is a 4th grade student at Spring Garden Elementary School in Bethlehem.

Jacob Anchorstar is the son of Kathy Becker Anchorstar ’88 and Kurt Anchorstar ’86 of Coplay, Pa. Both Kathy and Kurt are choir alumni from Moravian College. Jacob is a 3rd grader at Ironton Elementary School in the Parkland School District.

Moravian Theological Seminary graduate Francis Florentine Hagen composed "Morning Star" in 1836.The Morning Star hymn is traditionally sung by a child soloist each year. Auditions were held in October.

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. 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.