A Gift to the Community-Candlelight Carols

The 2011 Northwest Christian University "Candlelight Carols" concert, one of the top five events in Eugene according to the Register-Guard, was presented to nearly 3,000 audience members in early December.  This musical gift to the community was held on two nights for the first time this year, thanks to a generous donation by Douglas McKay and family. Melissa Stock, adjunct professor of music at NCU, directed the 110-member Community Choir and 33-piece orchestra for the ninth year.

In fall of 2003, the choir, comprised of current NCU students, alumni and community members, began with 12 singers and presented their first Christmas concert in the NCU chapel with 75 in the audience. Within two years, the choir and audience outgrew the chapel and the Christmas concert was held at First Christian Church in Eugene to a standing-room only crowd. Outgrowing the facilities twice more, the popular concert was moved to First Baptist Church in Eugene in 2007, then to Willamette Christian Center, where it's been presented to capacity crowds since 2009.

"I was invited to the concert by a friend and this was my first time attending a choral concert," stated Russell Dickerson, visiting from Los Angeles. "I was so impressed by not only the choir, but how well the event was conducted. The soloists were exceptional and the message heartwarming. I will definitely be attending another of these concerts in the future!"

Be sure to watch the NCU website for details about the NCU Community Choir "Gospel and Hymns" concert held each spring. If you are interested in joining NCU's Community Choir or making a donation please contact Melissa Stock at mstock@nwcu.edu.