Joseph Caulkins will conduct the Sanctuary Choir, Handbell Choir, and Soloists of First Baptist Church and members of the Southwest Florida Symphony in their annual Christmas presentation called “Love Came Down at Christmas” on Sunday, December 6, at 6 p.m.

The concert will take place at First Baptist Church, 1735 Jackson Street in downtown Fort Myers, and is open to the public.

The program will include John Purifoy’s cantata “Holly & Ivy” along with music by John Rutter, Douglas Wagner, and Ruth Elaine Schram. The audience will be invited to sing traditional carols of the season and participate in an inspirational candle lighting ceremony. Several soloists and musicians will be highlighted including harpist Elizabeth Lilly and soloists Michelle Caulkins and Jeana Malone.

Conductor Joseph Caulkins says, “I am excited about this program because of the wonderful variety and richness of the music. Since I conduct the annual Holiday Pops concerts with Southwest Florida Symphony each season, I have always had a lot of music that was too sacred for the Holiday shows, but is just perfect for our annual Christmas concert at First Baptist.”

Concluding the concert will be a candle lighting ceremony led by Pastor John Daugherty. “This is a deeply spiritual way to celebrate the season of Advent and to prepare ourselves for Christ, the light of our world, with this special event for our community,” says Daugherty.

Caulkins, Associate conductor of the Southwest Florida Symphony, came to Fist Baptist Church in January of this year as their Minister of Music & Worship. “This is a wonderful opportunity to come and see the exciting transformation that is happening at First Baptist. I know you will find the music inspiring and leave with a deeper sense of Christ’s everlasting love for us,” said Caulkins.

First Baptist Church of Fort Myers is one of the area’s oldest churches and was founded in 1892. The church is located at 1735 Jackson Street in the downtown River District. For more information, call 334-7747.