New Bedford Church Celebrates Christmas with Concert and More

New Bedford's historic St. Anthony of Padua Church on Acushnet Avenue is hosting a series of events December to celebrate the Christmas season.

They include the church's annual Christmas concert on Dec. 22, featuring "The Spirit of St. Anthony's Choir" with musical selections played on the parish's 112-year-old pipe organ.

Music Coordinator Gisele Pappas stopped by Townsquare Sunday to share details with the listeners.

"This concert is a family-friendly event with 45 singers taking part from 27 different churches in the area," Pappas said. "They will be joined by members of the Briarwood Ensemble from Bridgewater State University."

St. Anthony's historic pipe organ will also be part of the 90-minute program, with organist Daniel Marshall playing a number of selections.

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Tickets for the 3 p.m. concert are free but organizers are hoping to use the event as a fundraiser for the pipe organ.

"The organ works because it's been patched together, but in reality, it's in dire need of repair," Pappas said. "The giant lung inside the organ that pushes the air into the pipes needs to be replaced. We raised $8,000 last year and we hope to double that amount this year to get the job done."

Organizers are asking for a $20 donation, or whatever you can afford.

Free tickets for the concert are available at eventbrite.com.

Joining Pappas was Nelson Rapoza, a multimedia artist who is presenting an amazing light show inside St. Anthony's on Saturday, December 7.

Don't forget the December 14 book signing at St. Anthony's with Alfred Saulniers, author of The French in New Bedford: The Early Years, published by Spinner Publications. The book signing begins at 10:30 a.m.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.