CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Vocalists prepare for a Christmas Cantata to be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 58 E. Houston Ave., Montgomery, on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. The event, usually held at the Stone Church, has been relocated this year by its host, the Montgomery Area Historical Society. Singers include (front row, left to right): Catherine Laubach, Katha Elser, Carol Hill, Jeanette Holzbaur, Carol Grasty. (Row 2) Kathleen Radspinner, Jenny Hull, Marsha Dieffenderfer, Madison Burleigh, Jarod Schreiber, Fred Pfeiffer and Joshua Childs. The choir is directed by Shirley Smith. Absent from photo were Mindy Irwin and Grace Childs.

MONTGOMERY – A change has been made in the traditional hosting of a Christmas Candlelight Service at the Stone Church near Montgomery. Mark Shifflet, Montgomery Area Historical president announced, “It is with sadness that we inform everyone that the prison authorities have not given us permission to gather at Stone Church this year. The prison authorities’ decision is due to continued CoVid spread in the county.”

He added, “Instead of cancelling the event, as we did last year, the former Montgomery Christ Lutheran Church has graciously offered its site.” The address is 58 E. Houston, Avenue. The date and time of service is Saturday, Dec. 11 at 3 pm.

“The purpose of the annual event has been to provide an opportunity for descendants of the 1942 Ordinance evictions, to visit the church and cemetery. These are not ordinarily open to the public.”

The moving worship experience will be under the direction of Shirley Smith. The choir, representing a variety of denominations, will be accompanied by a string quintet, and of course, keyboard. Scripture readings, given by local pastors, will frame the cantata movements. A congregational carol sing will precede the service.

On display will be artifacts for those interested in local history. Items will represent both the Stone Church and Christ Lutheran. Some families who exited the Alvera grounds, and took up residences in or near Montgomery, adopted Christ Lutheran as their new church. They supported the addition to the original church on Houston Avenue, making both significant to many.

President Shifflet also said, “If you are interested in the future of the physical structure of the Stone Church, I suggest you attend so we can share important news with you.” Plans are in the making for MAHS to hold a Memorial Day event at the Stone Church cemetery in 2022.