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By JOHN NORRIS

Special to The Natchez Democrat

CHURCH HILL — You’re invited to a free patriotic concert called “Let Freedom Ring” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Christ Episcopal Church, Church Hill.

This special event is a musical prelude to Independence Day, July 4, and to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of America’s Declaration of Independence from British rule.

The music will salute the fundamental liberties of freedom, equality and unity that resulted from the American Revolution.

Selections will include spirituals celebrating religious freedom, like “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”

Other selections will reflect the American quest for equality and justice for all, such as the Broadway favorites “Somewhere” from “West Side Story” and “Wheels of a Dream” from “Ragtime.”

Featured performers are soprano Maryann Kyle, tenor John Christopher Adams, and pianist Ellen Elder.

These nationally known Mississippi artists were selected by Dr. Jay Dean, artistic director of the Natchez Festival of Music. They are celebrated locally and nationally for their work in top-tier productions.

At the end of the concert, all will be invited to sing “America: My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” The first stanza includes the line “Let freedom ring.”

A worship service in the 1858 Gothic Revival church will be at 3 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Samuel B. Godfrey.

Following the service will be informal tours of the recently restored historic church. Refreshments will be served.

Christ Church, founded in 1820, is the oldest Episcopal congregation in Mississippi.

The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located 15 miles north of Natchez at the intersection of Mississippi Highway 553 and Church Hill Road.

John Norris is junior warden at Christ Church and a resident of Church Hill.