The Senior Choir of the Washington First Baptist Church will present a worship service in music on Sunday evening, December 20, at 7 p.m.

This tradition goes back for many years and embodies various styles of presentation. The cantata, titled I Hear the Prophet Callin,’ is different in that it will be accompanied by an instrumental ensemble consisting of violin, viola, cello, harp, doublebase, flute, percussion, piano, and organ.

“The style of the cantata is folklike and its informality is indicated by the title,” says Patricia B. Burton, First Baptist Music Director.

The music presents the Christmas story from prophecy of the coming of the Messiah to fulfillment in the birth of Christ. Pepper Choplin, the composer, states, “It is not our place to make something new of the Christmas story, but it is for us to tell the true story in a fresh way so that the listener will hear it as if for the first time.”

Consequently, the cantata was composed using folk styles to tell the story of the coming of Christ. As the music is presented, the flavor of Appalachian, Irish, Latin, Cajun, and early American rhythms and tunes will be recognized.

The narrator will direct the listeners to different “stations” of the Christmas story including the prophet calling, a mother singing, the shepherds calling, the star of glory, and finally, the people singing.

The public is invited and a nursery will be provided.