BRIMFIELD, IL – The candle-lit Chapel and west wing rooms will be the setting for the annual non-denominational Christmas Program to be held Sunday and Monday, December 4 and 5 at Jubilee College State Historic Site near Brimfield.

 

            Programs for the general public will begin at 5 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 4.  The senior citizen program will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, December 5. 

 

            Each program will include performances by Jerry Keck on the 1848 Henry Erben Organ, one of four remaining in the United States.  Dr. Rev. John Throop, president of Citizens to Preserve Jubilee College, will lead the service dressed in Episcopal Bishop’s attire from the 1840s similar to clothing worn by Jubilee College founder Bishop Philander Chase.  The Flanagan High School Madrigal Ensemble, led by Jerry Keck, will sing Medieval and traditional songs.  Candlelight tours of the College’s 1840s classroom, library, dormitory and Head School Master’s Study will be given by costumed interpreters after each performance.  A reception will be held featuring free refreshments.  The event is free and open to the public.

 

            Jubilee College State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was founded in 1839 by the first Episcopal Bishop of Illinois, Philander Chase.  The main building is all that remains of the college.  Jubilee College is located 15 miles northwest of Peoria off of I-74 or State Route 150.  It is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.