Album Notes

Paul Zollner was born and raised in Mt. Angel, Oregon--a farming community situated to the northeast of Salem. His Great-Grandfather, Robert Zollner, emigrated from Germany in the 1850's and crossed the plains by covered wagon to homestead here. The nearby Benedictine monastery founded by Swiss monks attracted many German-speaking settlers to the area, who sought the fellowship of a community with a common cultural heritage and faith. The annual Oktoberfest in the Fall is one of the most celebrated reflections of their German culture.

A more constant reminder of the town's religious heritage is the majestic neogothic Church of St. Mary's. Every quarter hour, bells ringing from its clock tower can be heard throughout the town and for miles around the countryside.

Like many natives of Mt. Angel, Paul comes from a large family. Holidays and special occasions are typically celebrated by the gathering of the whole clan at the folks' house. This song, written by Paul and his wife, Pat, welcomes you to share in some of the warmth and magic of a CHRISTMAS IN MT. ANGEL.