Nov 15, 2002 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – For many years, the Mozart Music Club has sponsored the Thanksgiving Festival of Choirs, creating an evening full of joyful music and uplifting words of praise. This year, the special event will be held at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Wesley United Methodist Church on South Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville. Joanna Ball will serve as chairperson for the event.

Once again, a combined choir of more than 100 voices, directed by Merle Stutzman, will sing several selections. Spirituals and gospel music will be the focus. A few individual choirs will also participate.

Chris Hornick will lead a brass ensemble in a few selections. Other members of the ensemble are Pat Stefano and Don Stoner on trumpets; Maureen Shirer on French horn; Paul Hammker on tuba; and Hornick on baritone horn.

Special soloists this year are soprano Sheryl Nagy and trumpeter Jim Henigin. Clergy participating in the service will be the Rev. Dennis Ardnt from the Indian Head Church of God; the Rev. Philip Ramstad from the Trinity Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran Churches; the Rev. Nathaniel Milton from the Rocky Mountain Baptist Church; the Rev. Frank Lesniowski from St. Rita’s R.C. Church; and the Rev. Mark Juengel from the Connellsville United Presbyterian Church.

There is no admission charge. However, a free-will offering will be accepted. Each year, the offering goes toward music scholarships presented to graduating students who plan to follow a music career in college.

Doors will open at 5:50 p.m. Due to the large attendance every year, it is recommended that people arrive very early for seats. Seats for the handicapped will be available in the right front of the church.