October is set to be a month of celebration and community engagement at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 6th and Chestnut streets, Lebanon. The church has announced events honoring both its patron saint and the local community.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, in honor of the feast of St. Luke and the church’s 143rd building anniversary, a festive Choral Eucharist service is scheduled for 10 a.m. This service will feature musical pieces by Sir Edward Elgar, William Ratchford, and Ray Urwin.
Later, at 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy a Choral Evensong and Organ Recital, highlighting performances by the St. Luke’s Festival Choir. The evening’s repertoire will include canticles by Herbert Murrill, responses by Terry Heisey, and anthem by Sir William Harris.
Following the Evensong, at 7 p.m., Boston-based musician and composer Thomas Mellan will treat attendees to an organ concert.
Mellan, known for his versatility in both classical and modern music genres, will perform pieces like Bach’s Toccata, Adagio and Fugue (BWV 564), his own arrangement of Alkin’s Etude Op 39 #7, and Reger’s Fantasy and Fugue (Op 57).
Although there is no admission price to attend the Evensong or concert, a freewill offering will be accepted. Receptions will follow both the morning and evening services.
In addition to these musical celebrations, St. Luke’s, in partnership with the Chestnut Street Community Center, is set to host a Fall Block Party on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The free community gathering will showcase treat tables and treat trunks sponsored by local families and organizations, magical entertainment by St. Luke’s choir members, children’s activities, food and drinks.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Chestnut Street Community Center to provide a fun evening for the folks in our neighborhood,” said Steve Doster, senior warden of St. Luke’s Church. “Both of our organizations are committed to doing our part to help downtown Lebanon be a vibrant and tightknit community.”
Attendees are encouraged to come in costumes, keeping in mind the family-friendly nature of the event. The block party will proceed rain or shine, with provisions to move indoors at St. Luke’s in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
For inquiries about either event, interested parties can reach out to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 717-272-8251.
Questions about this story? Suggestions for a future LebTown article? Reach our newsroom using this contact form and we’ll do our best to get back to you.
Free news isn’t cheap. If you value the journalism LebTown provides to the community, then help us make it sustainable by becoming a champion of local news. You can unlock additional coverage for the community by supporting our work with a one-time contribution, or joining as a monthly or annual member. You can cancel anytime.
