TUSCUMBIA-While taking a walk in 2014 during a stay in Tuscumbia, professional New York actor Ronald Rand discovered St. John’s Episcopal Church. At the time, the church was in need of some tender loving care. Paint was flaking and repairs were needed. He worried about the quaint church, which he described as a “lovely little gem.” When he learned that the church had no active congregation and that it was dependent upon donations for its upkeep, he proposed the idea that a poetry reading with music, such as he had seen presented in other creative communities, might draw attention to the plight of the church while providing a beautiful experience for attendees. And so, the annual “Poetry and Music at St. John’s” was born.
What better time to bring inspiration in the form of the arts than at Christmas Time! It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all, a community-led holiday festival, proved to be the perfect partner to host the event.
This year’s readings, assorted poems with a Christmas theme, will be presented by community leaders on Saturday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. Holiday music will be performed by Tommy Quinn, playing carols on the 1880’s Packard pump organ that is original to the church. Quinn will also provide vocals along with soloist Julie Slosser. There is no admission charged, but any offered donations will help to provide building maintenance.
Mary Settle Cooney, former executive director of the Tennessee Valley Art Association, stepped up to assemble the group of readers for 2022, bringing some new faces to the line-up, including David Hope, reading for the first time this year.
“Mr. Hope is a well-known educator and theatre arts director across the Shoals and beyond”, she said. “He was instrumental in the development of the Tennessee Valley Art Association’s SummerStock at the Ritz, and the Ritz School for the Performing Arts. Mr. Hope will join other community readers with his interpretation of the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, also known as The Night Before Christmas.”
Ninon Parker
Ninon Parker, trustee of St. John’s Church, expressed gratitude to Cooney for organizing the event, saying that it was in danger of ending this year without Rand’s leadership. However, with Cooney’s direction, the ongoing program will help to preserve the church and continues to bring life within the walls of one of the area’s most beloved landmarks. She hopes the event is a Christmas tradition that will continue through the years.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, built in 1852, is the earliest example of Carpenter’s Gothic architecture in Alabama and is preserved in its original state. The congregation was formed in 1839. Regular services ceased in 1955. The church remains a consecrated house of worship of the Episcopal Church. For more information: 256-710-9081.
Media Release/Mary Settle Cooney, Event Organizer/St. John’s Episcopal Church
