New Martinsville United Methodist Church's Christmas Concert includes the 40 Plus group.

Last week on a cold and blustery evening, the United Methodist Church in Steelton welcomed the holiday season with the warm sounds of music. To be honest, the last time I attended a special holiday ceremony was some years ago when the United Methodist Church was on the corner of Main and North Street.

A friend, Linda Glover, had told us about the bell ringers of the church and how they had practiced to perform the annual Christmas event. Mary and I attended and enjoyed the warmth of the church and sounds of the choir and bell ringers. They brought something special to the community.

The church back then was decorated with red and green, touched with twinkling lights. Trees with glass-colored bulbs were reflecting the magic of the night. Those voices and the bells went silent years ago, and yet I still remember them at this time of year.

This year our friends, Earl and Connie Yost, invited us to attend the Christmas musical at the Steelton Church location. The price of admission, a package of toilet paper and bar of soap. It just goes to show you that since the Covid epidemic visited us, the value of a good soft roll of toilet paper has soared.

Inside the chapel, the room was filled with the warmth of thousands of tiny lights. A couple dozen trees of various sizes were decorated to welcome the holiday into the church.

The chapel was not over filled with visitors to the event, and yet the crowds joy and fellowship filled the main chapel. At the stroke of seven, the group known locally as, 40 Plus began playing their well-rehearsed selection of old favorite holiday songs. Silent Night, Jingle Bells and a couple dozen classic songs entertained the audience for the next two hours.

Mary and I have on three occasions attended the Christmas Show at the Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling. I have to say without a doubt we have enjoyed the first-class program of music and showmanship. But as much as I enjoy the Capital show, I will have to say Mary and I enjoyed the presentation of the Forty Plus group. A variety of songs that were well rehearsed and presented. A bit of humor was interjected at times between songs. The show in Wheeling cost in excess of $100.00. But the music and enjoyment of the Methodist Church program for the cost of toilet paper was just as enjoyable. Well maybe these guys didn’t dance around as much, but they sure could sing and bring joy to the room.

The Forty Plus group played last year at the church during the holiday season, and they plan on returning once again next year. I would encourage you to mark your calendar for the first of December 2025 to find out when the group will again return, and bring song and festivity to the United Methodist Church of New Martinsville.