Newberry College Hosts Reformation 500th Year Anniversary Celebration
October 19, 2017
When Martin Luther, a German monk and theology professor, posted his 95 Thesis in Wittenberg on Oct. 31, 1517, the resulting debate about Christian doctrine and practice shaped the course of Christianity in the Western world for the next 500 years. In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Newberry College will host a celebration to commemorate and educate about this momentous period in Christian history.
“It is fitting that this historic celebration should be held at Newberry College,” said Reformation Celebration organizer Denise Reid. “Martin Luther was, after all, a professor of theology at Wittenberg when he posted the 95 Theses.”
Newberry College has partnered with local community members and alumni to plan a variety of activities, including a worship service, documentary film, reenactment and other events meant to be educational and entertaining. The activities will be hosted on the Newberry campus, Newberry Opera House and Half Full Coffee and Wine Bar.
REFORMATION CELEBRATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TUESDAY, OCT. 24
A REFORMATION CELEBRATION CONCERT
7:30 p.m., Wiles Chapel
Concert features the Newberry College Wind Ensemble, with the premiere of “this is most certainly true” by James Stephenson, a work commissioned especially for Reformation 500th anniversary. The Newberry Wind Ensemble also will perform with a special performance by Newberry piano professor Dr. Sarah Masterson playing Grieg’s famous Piano Concerto in A Minor, movement 1. This concert is sponsored in part by Rice Music House.
THURSDAY, OCT. 26
BEER AND HYMNS
6 p.m., Half Full Coffee and Wine Bar (1402 Main Street, Newberry, SC 29108)
Beer is optional, singing is encouraged, making friends is required! Hymn celebration will be led by Jay Gamelin.
FRIDAY, OCT. 27
FILM – “MARTIN LUTHER: THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”
2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Newberry Opera House
The PBS film, “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World,” features the story of Martin Luther and how his ideas influenced Protestant Reformation.
SATURDAY, OCT. 27
FILM – “MARTIN LUTHER: THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”
2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Newberry Opera House
The PBS film, “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World,” features the story of Martin Luther and how his ideas influenced Protestant Reformation.
“THE REFORMATION OF LUTHER AND THE WOODCUT” with DR. M. PATRICK GRAHAM
4:30 p.m., Newberry Opera House
Dr. M. Patrick Graham is the Margaret A. Pitts Professor Emeritus of Theological Bibliography at the Candler School of Theology (Emory University), where he led the development of the Kessler Reformation Collection for 23 years. In his illustrated lecture, five key uses of the Reformation woodcut will be elaborated, testimony to the great reformer’s genius and ability to inspire his followers in their common work.
SUNDAY, OCT. 29
REFORMATION REENACTMENT “KATHERINE LUTHER: A BURR TO A TOPCOAT”
9:15 a.m., Holland Hall Lobby
COFFEE, DONUTS AND REFORMATION EXHIBIT
9:30 a.m., Holland Hall Lobby
REFORMATION CELEBRATION SERVICE
10:30 a.m., Wiles Chapel
REFORMATION CELEBRATION LUNCH
Noon, Kaufmann Hall Café
Lunch is $9.50 + tax for adults and youth; children five and under eat free. To help us plan for food, please RSVP for lunch to anne.smith@newberry.edu or 803.321.5363 with an estimated number attending.
CONCERT – MUSIC OF THE REFORMATION
2 p.m., Wiles Chapel
The Newberry College Department of Music will feature a performance of choral and organ music that symbolizes and celebrates the Reformation.
