“This is a combined effort. Our choir is made up of people from some of our downtown churches and other local churches in the area,” he said. “It’s not just composed of First Baptist choir members; this is an ecumenical effort. So many people have been working on this — Debbie Freeman is helping with the children, and Jennifer Tillotson is playing the piano.”
Featured soloists include MaryKate Core, of Crawford Street United Methodist, and Wyn Pratt. Calandra Daniels and Derrick Burt of Clinton will sing. Other featured soloists include Richard Hunt, John Marshall, Marty Kittrell and Abigail Hughes.
The selection of music will range from sacred to contemporary.
“There will be familiar carols that everyone will know,” Crabtree said. “This is a gift to our community. We want everybody to come.”
He hopes future programs will include more community involvement. He noted that artwork for the program, designed by Claiborne Cooksey, features steeples from FBC, Crawford Street United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and First Presbyterian of Vicksburg.
Orchestral participation includes professionals from the Mississippi Symphony and one from as far away as Starkville.
“First Baptist Church Vicksburg is delighted to begin our inaugural presentation of ‘Christmas on Cherry Street’ with the Vicksburg community,” said FBC Pastor Jimmy Henry. “The theme this year was derived from looking at the steeples of downtown Vicksburg and desiring to share the Good News of Jesus with our neighbors. It is with a heart of gratitude for our Vicksburg community and a love for Jesus that we invite you to come worship with us and experience Christmas on Cherry Street.”
“This is a combined effort among many, many, many people,” Crabtree said. “I’m so thankful for them. I’m really thankful for the opportunity … to direct a Christmas production. If one person’s life is changed, then I believe our job is done. That’s what we’re praying for.”
Admission to the program is free. For more information, please call the church office at 601-636-2493.