April 17th:Organ Concert at Central United Methodist in Florence

Organ Concert at Central in Florence on April 17th at 7:30 p.m

William Douglas is a Florence native currently in his junior year of studies at the University of South Carolina with Dr. Jared Johnson in pursuit of a degree in organ performance. He also serves as the Music Associate/Organist at Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia , S.C. William began serving churches as an organist while only a sophomore in high school. Since that time he has developed a deep love for the music and liturgy of the church. William’s first priority is to use his education and talents to serve God. He hopes that in doing so he will inspire others to use their own talents to do the same.

Central United Methodist is located at 265 West Cheves Street in Florence.
The Concert is free and open to the public.

January 29: Taste of Central

Taste of Central, Thursday, January 29, 2015  

Preview Silent Auction starts at 4 PM and Auction starts at 6 PM.  The Food tasting starts at 6:30.  

Lots of great food and auction items.  Proceeds go to replacing 2 ovens in church kitchen  $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.  

Everyone is welcome, tickets can be purchased at the church (Central United Methodist Church office on Cheves Street near Irby.

November 1: Masterworks Choir Intermezzo Concert

April 9th: Dr. Phillip Powell to present a piano concert for 'Live @ Central'

On Wednesday, April 9th, 'Live @ Central' is fortunate to have Dr. Philip Powell from Coastal Carolina University to present a recital of classical music.  Dr. Powell has been on the faculty at Coastal since 1988 and presently is Chairman of the Department of Music.  His program will include music by Schubert, van Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Fowler and Liszt.  He has performed with the South Carolina Symphony Orchestra and also performed with the Jupiter Symphony. 

Dr. Powell maintains an active performing schedule with concerts frequently heard on South Carolina Radio.  He has served as President of the Coastal Carolina Concert Association.

 

The program will begin at 6:30.  There is a dinner at 5:30 PM. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Make dinner reservations by calling 843-662-3218.  

April 9th: Dr. Phillip Powell to present a piano concert for 'Live @ Central'

On Wednesday, April 9th, 'Live @ Central' is fortunate to have Dr. Philip Powell from Coastal Carolina University to present a recital of classical music.  Dr. Powell has been on the faculty at Coastal since 1988 and presently is Chairman of the Department of Music.  His program will include music by Schubert, van Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Fowler and Liszt.  He has performed with the South Carolina Symphony Orchestra and also performed with the Jupiter Symphony. 

Dr. Powell maintains an active performing schedule with concerts frequently heard on South Carolina Radio.  He has served as President of the Coastal Carolina Concert Association.

 

The program will begin at 6:30.  There is a dinner at 5:30 PM. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Make dinner reservations by calling 843-662-3218.  

April 2nd: Don't miss Dr. Joe Stukes at Central United Methodist Church

On Wednesday, April 2nd, at 6:30 PM at Central United Methodist Church, (265 West Cheves Street in Florence), 'Live @ Central' will present "History or Mythology."

Dr. Joe Stukes will speak on "History or Mythology" at Live @ Central on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 PM. Well known Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at Francis Marion University, frequently speaks on subjects of people and events from throughout the world. Each of his presentations is always eloquent and informative. Dr. Stukes has become an annual speaker in the Live @ Central series. This fascinating program on "History or Mythology" promises to again provide an educational and entertaining evening.

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30 PM. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.

March 12th: Dr. W. Douglas Smith to speak at 'Live @ Central'

Francis Marion College - The Early Years

Dr. W. Douglas Smith - First President - Francis Marion University

The first President of FMU - when it was FMC - was Dr. W. Douglas Smith, who had been serving as President of Salisbury State University in Maryland.  He served as President of FMU from 1969-1983 during which time there was tremendous growth in the faculty, student body, and facilities.  Dr. Smith will talk about the early years at Francis Marion College, even some of the years leading up to the official creation of the college in July 1970.

It is a special privilege to have Dr. Smith participate in the Live @ Central Series.  FMU has become such a part of the fabric of Florence since the concept of a college in the Pee Dee began in 1956.  Dr. Smith has not been active in public speaking in the recent years and Live @ Central anticipates a large number of faculty and administration colleagues as well as former students will attend this program.     

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30.  There is a dinner at 5:30 PM. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children. 

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.       

March 2nd: Masterworks Choir to perform concert of sacred music

The 35th anniversary season of the Masterworks Choir continues Sunday, March 2, with two performances of a concert of sacred music titled Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs.

The 80 voices of the Masterworks Choir, conducted by Dr. William Carswell and accompanied by Beverly Hazelwood, will perform at 4 and 7 p.m. in the historic Central United Methodist Church sanctuary.

The program features 17 works that draw on the rich and varied tradition of sacred choral music, all based on hymn tunes, psalm settings, or on spiritual songs. Most often Masterworks Choir programs are accompanied by chamber orchestra. For this unique concert the Choir will highlight the wonderful art of a cappella singing by performing over half the program without instrumental accompaniment. Many of these a cappella works will be performed by 60 members of the Choir who will be traveling to New York City in May to sing at Carnegie Hall.

The Masterworks Choir will perform a 30-minute Prelude Concert, alone, prior to joining with several other choirs to sing the Mozart Requiem under the baton of internationally-renowned composer and conductor John Rutter.

Vocal soloists for the concert are singers from the ranks of the Choir. Rebecca Thompson is the soprano soloist, along with a solo quartet comprised of Kristen Owen Hardaway, soprano; Ashley Long, alto; William Daniel, tenor; and Kevin McCormick, baritone.

Dr. Carswell is in his second season as Music Director and Conductor of the Masterworks Choir. In addition to leading the Choir, he serves as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Music at Coker College, Hartsville.

Masterworks Choir concerts are always greatly anticipated by the Florence community as well as the Pee Dee. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to attend.

March 2nd: The Masterworks Choir to perform at Central United Methodist Church

The Masterworks Choir Presents

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

A program of Sacred Choral Works

Sunday, March 2,  2014

4:00 & 7:00 PM  Admission Free

Central United Methodist Church

Reception after 4 PM Concert

March 2nd: The Masterworks Choir at Central United Methodist Church

The Masterworks Choir, under the direction of Dr. William Carswell, will present a winter concert entitled Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs on Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Florence. There will be two performances; one at 4:00 pm with a reception following and at 7:00 pm. This concert is free and open to the public.

February 12th: 'Live@Central' to feature music by Ann Rogers Chandler & Dr. Mary Louise Nagata

On February 12th, Dr. Mary Louise Nagata, of Francis Marion University faculty, and Ann Rogers Chandler, director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, will present a program of popular classical music at 6:30 PM in the Historic Central Sanctuary.

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.

February 19th: The Role of FMU in the Medical Education of the Pee Dee

There has been an explosion of educational and training opportunities in medicine in the Pee Dee area in recent years. This growth promises to make Florence a major player in medical education in South Carolina. A majority of this growth has been under the umbrella of Frances Marion University and the dynamic leadership of the President of FMU Dr. Fred Carter.

On Wednesday, February 19 Dr. Carter will discuss the changes in medical education in the Pee Dee, the role of FMU, the present programs and facilities and future plans.

Dr. Carter has served as President of FMU since 1999 and previously served as Executive Director of the Budget and control Board and as Chairman of the Department of Political Science at the College of Charleston. He received his BA degree from the University of Central Florida and his advance degrees from USC. He has written 5 books and numerous articles. He has received many awards and honors and since becoming President of FMU he once served as “Part Time Governor” when Governor Mark Sanford was serving on Active duty in the military!

Since arriving in Florence Dr. Carter has become a leader in many community affairs – this presentation will emphasize the roles which he and FMU have played in the advancement of medicine in Florence and the Pee Dee.

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.                                            

February 5th: 'Live at Central' features Dr. Stephen Taylor

A piano recital of music by Schumann, Debussy, Ravel and Chopin will be presented by Dr. Stephen Taylor at Live @ Central on February 5. Dr. Taylor has performed throughout the US as well as many countries in Europe. He was previously a member of the piano and pedagogy faculty at USC. He currently serves on the piano faculty at the SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville and continues to perform and to lecture. He holds degrees from the Juilliard School, the University of Louisville and USC.

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.

February 5th: 'Live at Central' features Dr. Stephen Taylor

A piano recital of music by Schumann, Debussy, Ravel and Chopin will be presented by Dr. Stephen Taylor at Live @ Central on February 5. Dr. Taylor has performed throughout the US as well as many countries in Europe. He was previously a member of the piano and pedagogy faculty at USC. He currently serves on the piano faculty at the SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville and continues to perform and to lecture. He holds degrees from the Juilliard School, the University of Louisville and USC.

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.   

January 30th: Taste of Florence Cuisine at Central United Methodist Church

January 29th: 'Live@Central' to feature music by Ann Rogers Chandler & Dr. Mary Louise Nagata

January 29th, Dr. Mary Louise Nagata, of Francis Marion University faculty, and Ann Rogers Chandler, director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, will present a program of popular classical music at 6:30 PM in the Historic Central Sanctuary. Dr. Nagata will play the violin and the viola and she will be accompanied by Mrs. Chandler on the renowned Schimmel grand piano . This popular duo has been requested to return after their acclaimed presentations for the seventh and eighth seasons of LIVE@CENTRAL!

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.

January 30th: Taste of Central in Florence

Seventh Annual Taste of Central

Central United Methodist Church

January 30, 2014 6:30 - 8:30

The gala features some of Florence's noted gourmet chefs presenting their signature dishes and renowned restaurants showing off their specialties. Also there will be a Silent Auction with over 100 fabulous gifts. Tickets are $10. Everyone is invited. You can buy tickets in advance at church office or at the door that night.

Contact Central United Methodist at 843.662.3218. Central is located at 265 West Cheves Street in downtown Florence.

January 22nd: 'Live at Central' to feature noted historian Bill Segars

Wednesday, January 22, by popular request, noted historian and builder Bill Segars will return to LIVE@CENTRAL! to continue his program series on old churches in South Carolina. Bill has cataloged and documented more than 600 old churches and is considered quite the authority. This special program prepared for LIVE@CENTRAL! will feature "Old Anglican and Episcopal Churches in the Pee Dee". South Carolina History buffs in particular will want to attend this 6:30 PM power-point presentation.

For the “Live @ Central” evening, the Program begins at 6:30. There is a dinner at 5:30pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Reservation for dinner at 843-662-3218.

Audition Alert: Join the Masterworks Choir on January 6th

Attention local singers: If you are a lover of fine choral music and not already a member of the Masterworks Choir, the time to join is now.  Will Carswell, conductor of the Masterworks Choir, will be holding auditions for new singers from 6 to 6:45 PM on Monday, January 6 at Central United Methodist Church.  Auditions will take place just prior to the choir's first rehearsal for its spring concerts. 

January 30th: The Seventh Annual Taste of Central in Florence

Seventh Annual Taste of Central

Central United Methodist Church

January 30, 2014 6:30 - 8:30

The gala features some of Florence's noted gourmet chefs presenting their signature dishes and renowned restaurants showing off their specialties. Also there will be a Silent Auction with over 100 fabulous gifts. Tickets are $10. Everyone is invited. You can buy tickets in advance at church office or at the door that night.

Contact Central United Methodist at 843.662.3218. Central is located at 265 West Cheves Street in downtown Florence.