Happenings

By Rick Winterson South Boston’s churches, from the smallest to the largest, are filled with wonderful music, especially during the Christmas season. It’s already a week into the new year, but we thought it appropriate to mention the choir at the Fourth Presbyterian Church. They presented an especially beautiful (and unusual) program – “An American Christmas” – the Saturday before Christmas. It was uplifting and revealed the richness of American music. Much of it was based upon folk and traditional music; there were blues overtones along with multi-part caroling. The Rev. Burns Stanfield, the Pastor of the Fourth, is a professional musician himself. Watch for the Fourth Church’s musical shows and the concert by their “Summer Singers” in August.

Just to clarify, back in olden times, each new day began at sunset. So New Year’s Eve, which we know as Dec. 31, was actually the beginning of Jan. 1 back then – New Year’s Day. In merry, traditional Boston, we continue that custom by celebrating the new year starting as the sun sets on First Night. By Rick Winterson Mayor Marty Walsh and the city of Boston’s officials are to be congratulated on their “rescuing” of First Night this New Year of Our Lord, 2016. First Night’s 40-year-old tradition was in jeopardy due to financial problems, among other things. In his remarks from the Copley Square stage just before the procession to Boston Common, he singled out Dusty Rhodes for special thanks. Ms. Rhodes [...]