LET FREEDOM RING: FIRST GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCH MUSICAL CELEBRATES FREEDOMS

When "Taps" plays on the bugle or the music of a John Philip Sousa march resonates through the sanctuary of First General Baptist Church during the annual Freedom Celebration, feelings of patriotism seem to move through the audience.

That is the point of the ninth annual event, which celebrates everything from military service to freedom to worship.

Freedom Celebration '98 opens Wednesday night at the church, 1812 Cape La Croix Road, and continues through June 28. Performances begin at 7 p.m.

The musical includes patriotic song selections that are both secular and Christian. In addition to the 30-voice choir, special guests include people portraying Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and Uncle Sam.

Although the Freedom Celebration is held at First General Baptist Church, choir members come from as far away as Advance or as near as a church across town. In all, 13 different churches and several denominations are represented.

"All different denominations are involved," said Ray Forsythe, who sings in the choir and has helped with coordinating the musical. "It doesn't matter if you're Catholic, Lutheran or Pentecostal. People from all over are involved."

Many have been coming back for years just to sing or perform in the Freedom Celebration.

Hubert Murphy, a member of Mount Auburn Christian Church, wrote and memorized his soliloquy as Benjamin Franklin. Rich Krueger, a member of Bethany Baptist Church, portrays Abraham Lincoln. Both have played their respective parts for three years.

People tend to forget that the founding fathers based their new government on political and religious freedoms. "The foundation is a belief in God," Murphy said.

Part of the reason the musical is well received is because of its patriotic theme. It gives people a "reason to be proud and stick out their chest a little and take pride in their country and what it stands for still," said Murphy, a retired Air Force master sergeant.

There is a religious impact as well.

"The greatest freedom we have is our freedom in Christ," said the Rev. David Griesemer, pastor of First General Baptist Church. "That's the bottom line."

Selections of music and songs are created to mix the patriotic message with spiritual applications, he said.

Dave Olsen directs the choir for the performance. Unlike Christmas or Easter holidays, there aren't many patriotic musicals to choose from, he said. But Olsen chooses a mix of new songs and old favorites.

"I like audience participation so you can sing along with part of it," Olsen said. "I never like to do all obscure songs."

The songs include "The Star-Spangled Banner," "This Land is Your Land," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and anthems from each branch of the armed services. Also, selections come from the musical "We Hold These Truths."

The choir begins practicing in mid-March. About three weeks before opening night, church members construct risers while others decorate the sanctuary with flags and red, white and blue bunting. Flags also will line the church's driveway. Members of the Civil Air Patrol will help park cars in the lot.

"It's sort of like a spider-web effect," Griesemer said. "It's all dependent on somebody else, and if they can't, others fill in."

In all, 60 people are involved from choir members, dramatists, military guests and sound and lights crew.

Area politicians also are asked to speak about freedoms. Featured speakers include state Sen. Peter Kinder; state Rep. Mary Kasten; Anthony Heckemeyer, candidate for U.S. Congress; Charles Thrower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

Other notable guests aren't uncommon but are unexpected.

"About two years ago we had Bill Gaither drop in on us," Forsythe said. "You never know who will be here. We almost had Bill Clinton here one year."

Tickets are still available but are required for each performance. For information, call the church office at 334-2234.

Freedom Celebration '98

Freedom Celebration '98 opens Wednesday night at First General Baptist Church, 1812 Cape La Croix Road, and continues through June 28. Performances begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are still available, but are required for each performance. For information, call the church office at 334-2234.