First Presbyterian to host 75th performance of Handel's 'Messiah'

Staff reports

Seen in 2017, the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir and the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir performed Handel's "Messiah." The 75th performance of the piece will be April 10 at First Presbyterian.

When something continues for 75 years there has to be a reason. In the case of the First Presbyterian Church's "Messiah" performance, the reasons are the quality of the presentation, its constant enduring appeal and the love of being a part of ministry in music.

Together, Max and Ava Kreutz fostered a sense of family and fellowship through their leadership of the music ministry of FPC. Over the years, their model of dedication and loyalty was recreated in music ministries across the country by choir members who moved to other churches in other cities. Ava and Max entwined all their adult lives with activities and members of the church. Another legacy from this couple, was the custom built Aeolian Skinner pipe organ. At their urging, the instrument was bought for $100,000 in 1961, and has brought many international concert artists to Wichita Falls for concerts and festivals funded by the Max and Ava Kreutz Concert Fund.

The First Presbyterian Church of Wichita Falls is hosting their 75th performance of Handel's "Messiah" April 10.

The "Messiah" tradition began with Ava urging a reluctant Max to organize and direct the first performance in 1946, in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church located at 10th and Bluff where the Central Fire Station now operates.

FPC has continued their amazing legacy bringing the genius of Handel and his text to the Wichita Falls community. It has grown to include the FUMC Chancel Choir and singers from the community. To celebrate the 75th presentation, the Kreutz Fund Committee invited the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra to join them.

In this 2017 photo, bass soloist David Robinson sings Handel's "Messiah" with the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir and the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church.

This performance honors all who have participated over the years and is dedicated to Dr. Ron Hogue for his years of service to to FPC. It is made possible through contributions to the Max and Ava Kreutz Concert Fund at First Presbyterian Church.

The 75th presentation of Handel’s "Messiah" will be 3 p.m., Sunday, April 10, at First Presbyterian Church, 3601 Taft.