The Samuel Hammond Chapter, National Society Daughters of the Amerian Revolution and the Twenty-First Century Club met Dec. 8, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church for the annual Christmas concert. Rev. Phillip Palmertree, pastor, welcomed members and guests. His devotional focus on John 3:16 was a reminder of God’s wonderful Gift to the world.
Sarah L. Cheek, Samuel Hammond Chapter Vice-Regent, introduced the musical performers Melanie Sprayberry Newman and Marsha Burchfield Adams.
Melanie, a resident of Ethel, teaches music at the Presbyterian Day School and teaches private piano lessons as an extension of the music ministry of the church. Her love for music, which began at the age of eight years, led her to enhance her training in Kosciusko under the teaching of Janet Simpson. She received bachelor and masters degrees at Mississippi College in music education and piano performance, respectively.
Marsha is office manager at the First Presbyterian Church. Since the age of three, Marsha has had an interest in music. Having been a member of the singing Burchfield family, she has continued to pursue the enjoyment of music.
Their selected performances included the traditional Christmas carols.
“O Come All Ye Faithful” arranged by Mark Hayes, and Joseph Martin’s “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” by Bethany K. Smith were the opeming carols. Joseph Martin’s arrangement of “Good Christians, All Rejoice” was followed by carols arranged by David Nevue, “I Wonder As I Wonder” and “What Child is This?”
The concluding piano selections were “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and a triumphant rendition of “Joy to the World,” both arranged by Mark Hayes.
Marsha sang a Mark Schultz arrangement of “When Love Was Born” and “Heirloom” by Amy Grant.
Sarah Cheek recognized Sally S. Wasson for her faithful and continuous 60-year membership in the Samuel Hammond Chapter. She has held various offices in the chapter, the latgest being the office of registrar.
Welcomed as guests were Joanne Sprayberry, Melanie’s mother, Carol Blaine, Barbara Rose, Nancy Green and Joyce Barrett.
