Messenger-Inquirer

A Goodfellows tradition begun in the shadow of a national tragedy will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday in a different venue for the first time in decades because of a local disaster.

First Christian Church will host the 67th performance of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" -- not Third Baptist Church, which was severely damaged by the Oct. 18 tornado.

"It seemed fitting and proper we should offer it to the Owensboro Choral Society," which organizes the fundraising event, said Shelia Miller, who will conduct her ninth performance.

The churches are only about a block apart, and Miller is choir director at First Christian, she said.

"It just made sense," Miller said. "It was the neighborly thing to do."

"Messiah," which premiered in 1742, was first performed locally Dec. 7, 1941, the day news was received of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.

This year's 50-person choir had its first rehearsal two days before the tornado sent Third Baptist's steeple crashing through the roof and into the sanctuary.

The 11/2-hour performance will feature 10 choruses and four arias by soloists while accompanied by pianist Sharon Hudson, Miller said.

Soloists will be Lesley Ferguson (soprano), Myrna Melheiser (mezzo-soprano), Scott Dixon (tenor) and Clark Evans (bass).

Two flutists and an organist will perform the "Pastoral Symphony," an instrumental interlude in the "Messiah," during an offering collection for Goodfellows, Miller said.

Today's Roll Call

Previously reported $17,574.05

PRIDE and Western Kentucky Botanical Garden Soup Day for Kids $4,062

In memory of Suzanne Ahnell and Eillie Magnuson by Kirsten Ahnell and W.L. Magnuson $150

Sue and Joe Haycraft $100

Total as of Dec.1, 2007 $21,886.05