North Shore choir to raise funds for flame stricken Yaphank church
In an effort to help out a fellow congregation who’s church was gutted by flames last month, members of the North Shore Chamber Choir are holding a Winter HymnFest performance to raise funds for the stricken Yaphank Presbyterian Church.
A chorus of 30 voices (and growing) will be performing, singing hymns and collecting donations on Jan. 26, starting at 4 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Wading River.
Community members are invited to perform with the Wading River choir and sing “under really professional direction,” said Susan Murphy, secretary for the choir.
The chorus is lead by artistic director Jeff Schneider, who founded the chorus about 17 years ago.
Yaphank Presbyterian Church dates back to 1851, serving a congregation of close to 50 families, Ms. Murphy said. Churchgoers have had to use a small fellowship hall to hold services as they start to rebuild from the fire, which gutted the historic church Dec. 8, she said.
“As their pastor would say, ‘a church isn’t a building, it’s the people who attend,’ ” she said.
Those wishing to perform can regiser at www.nschamberchoir.org or call 631-929-8549. The opportunity is open to all, Ms. Murphy said. There will be two rehearsals prior to the actual event.
“Whatever we can do to give them a little extra something,” she said. “We want everyone the community to come out.”
Those attending the show can expect “a beautiful, reflective, pretty afternoon,” Ms. Murphy said.
Members of Yaphank church will also be there.
