In Memory of two of our most beloved members.

Our matriarch, Mary Patricia Cavell Bulber, the help meet of our founder, mother, educator, artist, friend.

Monday, 16 December 2024

From East to West: My Journey  A Memoir 

and

Barbara Belew, educator, artist and friend .

Thursday, 13 February 2025.

Both of whom dedicated 7 decades to keeping the Lake Charles Messiah Chorus alive. 

They have now joined the eternal chorus of Hallelujah...

The Lake Charles Messiah Chorus and Orchestra:

Founded by Dr. Francis G. Bulber at then John McNeese Junior College in 1940, the annual performance of Handel's Messiah has been a holiday tradition marking the start of the Christmas season in the Lake area on the first Sunday of December for 77 years.  In 2005, hurricane Rita devastated south west Louisiana.  The McNeese main auditorium, which had been renamed in honor of Dr. Bulber, was severely damaged, but the Messiah went on with performances at First Methodist Church of Lake Charles in 2005, 2006 and 2007 in a sing-a-long format.  In 2008, the Messiah returned to McNeese State University and F. G. Bulber Auditorium.  With the risers having been destroyed in the storm and funds running low, the sing-a-long performance continued through 2010.  But, then the unthinkable, not even a hurricane could stop the Messiah but financial difficulties looked to be its demise as there would be no performance in 2011(KPLC Story).   The community rallied behind the enduring tradition to see the Messiah tradition resurrected (KPLC Hot Button).  The very next year, the Lake Charles Messiah Chorus and Orchestra returned for its 72nd annual performance complete with generously donated new risers ,  McNeese choral student soloists and the chamber orchestra under the direction of the daughter of the tradition's founder, Colette Bulber Tanner (KPLC Night Cast 2 December 2012 - forward to 5:35).  Then 2020 brought the pandemic and two catastrophic hurricanes, Laura and Delta to SWLA, and the Messiah Performance had to once again be cancelled.  But, Together in 2021, SWLA STRONG, WE RISE.  To all of you in the community who have supported the Lake Charles Messiah Chorus over the decades- Thank You!