Audience Breaks Into Silent Night After School's Secular Holiday Program

Teresa Neumann : Dec 22, 2009
Jennifer Moody - Albany Democrat Herald

"Really, the complaint should go the other way: The program was too darned secular. To change that program for one person is almost a violation of everyone else's rights."

REPORTER'S NOTE: This article was both a wake-up call and a source of civic pride to me as Lebanon, Oregon is my own "backyard" so to speak. We're a small community here, with a strong Christian presence. I'm used to reading about "lone wolves" highjacking Christmas programs in other areas of the country, but here in little ol' Lebanon? The response of the audience was inspiring; I only wish I could have been there. And kudos to Mike Martin?a dear friend of ours?for not holding back when he spoke with reporters! -Teresa Neumann

(Lebanon, Oregon)?A report in the Albany Democrat Herald states that although the Christmas carol Silent Night was not on the program at Pioneer School's concert recently, it was sung anyway?by the audience, after the kids were done. It was estimated that at least 100 of the 700 in attendance joined in the singing. Applause and cheers erupted afterwards.

It started this fall when Principal Mark Finch eliminated the song from the program after a parent complained that the carol's emphasis was "too single-religion."

Sam Long, a Pioneer volunteer and grandmother of a Pioneer student, said: "I'm very proud they stood up for what they believe. I am so proud, because have a godson fighting (in Baghdad) for our rights and to keep us free, and if we can't sing just a little song, what's he over there for?"

"There were 18 songs on the program, of which one has a sacred theme to it and 17 don't," said school board member Mike Martin. "Really, the complaint should go the other way: The program was too darned secular. To change that program for one person is almost a violation of everyone else's rights."