A local church is gearing up to host a night of song, which will benefit another local church that has had a tough year.

On Jan. 17 at 4 p.m., St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Washington will host a musical program, dubbed “Music in the Air,” which will feature a men’s choir made up of members of six different area churches, said Carrie Moore, a member of St. John’s, who came up with the idea. All proceeds from the donation-based event will go to First Christian Church’s recovery efforts after its building was destroyed by a fire in Spring.

“I thought of it this summer,” Moore said. “I kept meditating and meditating, and I thought it must be something the good Lord is laying on my heart. There’s only one God. That’s the way I look at it, and that’s what made me want to do it. I’ve never seen a church burn down and a brick church, at that. When I went by that church, my heart skipped a beat, and I couldn’t do anything by myself to help so I got some help and asked my pastor (if we could do this event).”

First Christian Church caught fire April 28 due to a malfunction with the church’s baptismal, and the fire ended up claiming the church despite response from area fire departments. Since, the church has continued having services at Red Men’s Lodge in Washington and hosting church meetings at various locations. The remnants of the building were recently demolished and the property will serve as a memorial for what was once one of Washington’s oldest church buildings, according to Milton Dail, church spokesman.

Moore said she asked her pastor, William F. Whitehead Sr., as well as the pastor of First Christian Church, if the idea was viable, and not only were they delighted by the idea, it has been well-received throughout both churches and the community. The six-church, all-men choir will present a selection of gospel songs, which have not been finalized at this time.

Ike Williams, another member of St. John’s, said he is hopeful the event will be a success and is proud of his sister, Moore, for coming up with the idea to help another church in need.

“I think it will turn out well,” Williams said. “It came to Carrie to do something to raise money to help that church out. So, she got together with some of the rest of us, and we thought we would put on a program to raise money for that church.”

Moore said if anyone in the community wishes to donate their time to help the event be a success or if anyone would like to donate funds to First Christian Church, they are welcome to do so.

To donate to the event benefitting First Christian Church or to make a monetary donation, contact Carrie Moore at 252-940-1306 or send mail to St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 270 Whispering Pine Rd., Washington, NC 27889, ATTN: Carrie Moore.