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Pianist and Steinway artist David Osbourne performed a Christmas Concert on December 22 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Osbourne has long history with Maranatha, coming for 38 years to play in honor of President Jimmy Carter’s birthday. Ashley Guthas, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, welcomed all who had come for the concert. Jason Moone, who worked with Senator Max Cleveland, introduced Osbourne.

Osbourne took a variety of requests from the audience, flowing and weaving the different songs together, holding the audience spellbound. As Osbourne played Amazing Grace, he invited the audience to join him.

Singer songwriter Andrew Greer sang what Child is This to Osbourne’s piano accompaniment. Reid Elliot sang and played Joy, Joy, Unspeakable Joy. Hannah Osbourne, David Osbourne’s daughter, sang Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer along with the concert goers.

Osbourne announced that he was donating the Steinway piano he played at the concert to the church in honor of Rosalynn Carter. Afterward, concert goers enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate.

Reid Elliot, wearing a red suit, shared his reactions to performing. “It felt very wonderful. This is the first time we’ve been to Plains during Christmas, so I was very honored David asked me to sing at another concert here.”

He shared how it made him feel. “It just feels so special because you can feel the presence of Rosalynn.” He also told how Jimmy Carter felt near even though he was not able to attend.

Allethea Smith-Wall, Rosalynn Carter’s sister, shared her reaction to the piano being dedicated to Rosalynn Carter, stating both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter would have appreciated it. “I think they would be honored.”