HENDERSON, Ky. - One of the community's oldest-running events, the Alice P. Taylor Candlelight Service, is set for
Sunday, Dec. 6th. This year's service will be presented as a video premiere on the Henderson Area Arts Alliance Facebook
page, www.facebook.com/HendersonAreaArtsAlliance. It will be archived for repeated viewing and will be broadcast on
WSON Radio 860AM and 96.5FM on Christmas at 8 a.m. on the public affairs program "Speak-Up."
For several decades, the ecumenical service focusing on sacred music has kicked off the Christmas season in Henderson.
The 2020 service is a little different. Because of the format, organizers were able to recruit musicians with Henderson
ties living in places like New York City, Florida and Salt Lake City. The video format provides the opportunity for more
widespread participation as well as viewership.
Performers include organist Nikolai Peek, music director at First United Methodist Church; pianist Brandon Brack,
choral faculty of Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Ore.; vocal ensemble featuring Danielle Anguish, Kelsey Anguish,
Derrick Brooks, Tiana Clark and Amani Owens accompanied by E.J. Simmons; Jacob Hein, baritone/piano, director of
music and liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Owensboro and music teacher in Owensboro Catholic Schools;
pianist Matthew Vanover, minister of music at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park, Ky.;
vocalist Herndon Lackey, retired Broadway and Off-Broadway performer; violist J.T. Posadas, Utah Symphony,
Baumer String Quartet and viola and chamber music faculty, University of South Florida School of Music;
pianist Kaleb Hilton, director of music at Faith Lutheran Church in Lexington; duet by Henderson County
High School Choral Director Heather Eaves and baritone Aaron Eaves; Emily Fife, harp; Rebecca Farley,
soprano; Henderson County High School Chamber Choir; and Phillip Morgan, baritone, director of music at
Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville accompanied by A.T. Simpson Jr.
The Rev. David Clifford of First Christian Church and Dr. Tim Hobbs of Community Baptist Church will offer prayers and readings.
The video service will start at 4 p.m.
A little history:
Musician Alice P. Taylor moved to Henderson from San Francisco in 1897 after she married a young local attorney
named N. Powell Taylor. According to a 2009 article by Yesterday's News columnist Frank Boyett in The Gleaner, her
marriage brought to a close her professional operatic and concert career, but that certainly didn't mean she stopped
making music. As early as 1903, Taylor was assisting with local organ recitals, and then followed with the 1924
formation of the Henderson Music Club, which organized recitals, pageants and concerts. Taylor was the first elected
president of the club that eventually created an annual Christmas Candlelight Service.
Some believe the first Christmas Candlelight Service took place in 1931, and others think it was even earlier.
In 1951, the Henderson Music Club added Taylor's name to the service to honor her. For five years, until her death
in 1956, Taylor was honored at the service with a special seat adorned with a big red bow and a corsage from the Music Club.
The Henderson Music Club dissolved about 20 years ago, but dedicated volunteers have kept it going over time.
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