Becky Davis. Artist

"African Coast" Acrylic on Canvas.
Served as a backdrop to the opening African scene.

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Harriet Tubman Monologue

Performed by Suzanne, a beautiful Cameroonian who lives here in Germany.  She was fantastic!

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A "Safe House" by Rick & Mary Beth Holladay

This replica of a southern home demonstrates how quilts were placed on rooftops, lanterns were hung, and other various "signals" were made known to escaping slaves who sought safety from "hunters". 

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Mary Beth Holladay. Artist

"Southern Cotton Field"  Acrylic on Board.  This painting was used as the backdrop to the scene with Russ Kraines singing "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen", and "slaves" were in the background picking cotton.

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Danny Plett

Danny masterfully lead the choir, consisting of local Germans, North American adults and BFA students, with a few solos of his own.

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Diane Farmer

Diane puts final touches on the Buffet Table.  She has worked on Candlelight Dinner since it's inception almost 15 years ago.  She trusts God to use her creativity and eye for beauty, to open up the hearts of those who experience these special evenings.

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Russ Kraines. Soloist

Russ sang "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen...nobody knows but my Jesus!"  His beautiful bass voice and skillful acting complimented the re-enactment of slaves picking cotton in the background. To the right, Cy Farmer plays the cruel "Master" with his whip ready to crack.

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Washer Woman & Ship

Many slaves disguised themselves either as men (if women), or women (if men).  This scene shows how women would bring laundry on ships bound for northern states...and then hide on the boats once on board.

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Wire Figure Table Decorations

These wire figures were created by Diane Farmer.  They illustrate the broken chains from bondage, the manacles holding the candles have no power over this figure, and the Key is held up to show this person is FREE!!!  "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!"

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Henry "Box" Brown

Henry Brown placed himself in a box lined with soft material, water, bread and a tool to drill a hole for air, and "mailed" himself to Philadelphia.  The box lid said "This Side Up-Handle With Care!"  He was bruised and battered, but arrived in Philly, a free man when his friends opened the box!

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And Sing they did!

Altos

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Sopranos

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Tenors and Sopranos

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Drummers (above) Skit (below)

An amazing and powerful portrayal of Jesus setting us free.

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Eric Niles

The "Key Man"...never complains, always ready to help, easy laugh, delightful to work with.

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James Meyer. Artist

Jim painted a beautiful Portrait of Harriet Tubman. Oil on Canvas.

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Rob Carey. Artist

"The Slave Quarters".  Acrylic on Rigid Foam Board.  Rob spent countless hours painting these magnificent pieces, in the freezing cold Art Factory's "Great Hall".  They fit inside the auditoriums windows.  You can see how large they are by comparing their size to the chairs below.

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Rob Carey. Artist

"Plantation Home"  Also painted by Rob, for the other set of windows.  These light panels just fit snugly into the windows.

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Mossy Trees

Created by Diane and assembled by many volunteers, this "Spanish moss" was hung painstakingly.  The green moss on the trunk signified the North side of the tree, where the slaves would "feel" their way north when it was too dark to follow the North Star (shown below).

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Cy Farmer. Coordinator of CLD 09

Cy was going a little crazy by the time the performances finally came around!  He organized meetings, recruited help in every field from prayer to salads to securing staging.  He and Clare (his right-hand woman) worked endless hours throughout the past six months.

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Clare Berndt. Soloist

Clare sings her heart out during the performance.  She also juggled taking care of her family including 11 month old Raphael, and acting as Cy's translator, secretary, and all-round efficient woman who can do just about anything!

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Mandy lights candles

and helped with serving the meal.

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Sound Man, Katie Roberts, Dave Hofer

This year's production Director was Katie Roberts.  No easy task for someone who had never "seen" Candlelight Dinner!  She worked tirelessly, faithfully and cheerfully, and even learned to "brain-storm"! :)
Dave Hofer (right) and son James (not pictured) hung lights, readjusted lights, hung projectors...readjusted projectors.....you get the picture!  Thanks guys!

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