‘Messiah’ organist goes from young spectator to key role
Published 11:15 pm Friday, December 5, 2014
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church organist and director of music ministry Sarah Cater attended her first performance of “The Messiah” around age 6. Years later, she finds herself playing at the annual event.
When Sarah Cater’s mother took her to a Selma Choral Society performance of “The Messiah” at age 6, she never imagined she would be one day have a key role in the production.
The mother and daughter made it a tradition to see “The Messiah” annually until one year Cater decided she wanted to sing in the choir.
“I sang here first in 1974,” said Sarah Cater, organist and director of music ministry at Cornersone Presbyterian Church. “When I was about six years old my mother brought me to my first performance of ‘Messiah.’ I heard Elvira McCrory [sing a solo], and I thought it was the most glorious thing I had ever heard.”
Years later, Cater got more involved by playing the organ for the performance.
“Since then, I have missed one time playing,” Cater said. “I promised myself I would never miss playing again.”
Although Cater has been a part of the annual event for many years, she said her favorite memory was the first time her daughter sung with the choral society.
“That was really special to have her participate and to have her carry on the tradition,” she said.
A lot of work goes into the performance, but Cater said it’s all worth it in the end.
“Well, I don’t look forward to the rehearsals — those late nights are hard,” Cater said while laughing.
Cater started singing in “The Messiah” in 1974. Years later, she would go on to play the organ for the annual event.
Members from many different local churches get together to sing during “The Messiah,” and Cater said that’s one of her favorite parts about the performance.
“I love when we’re singing together. I enjoy that,” Cater said. “It’s wonderful because we don’t get to do that very much. It brings not only different denominations together, but it’s a way that we all come together in the music and in Christ.”
Cater said she knew at an early age that she wanted to be involved in music.
“Some people never find where they’re supposed to be in life, but I have learned that the greatest thing in life is to find what you’re meant to do and be plugged into that,” Cater said. “I found my niche. Making music, worshiping and celebrating the Lord, those things are my thing.”
Cater, along with the other members of the Selma Choral Society, have been practicing every Tuesday since the first week in October and are hoping for a great performance.
The 67th presentation of “The Messiah” will be Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. Donations will be accepted to cover expenses.
The Messiah is an oratorio composed by George Fredric Handel in 1742 and is separated into three different sections. The first part and second parts represents the birth and Passion of Christ.
This year’s program will focus on the third section, which represents Christ’s return and reign. Pieces from the first and second parts will still be incorporated into Sunday’s performance.
