Historical December 1996 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Each year, on the third Sunday of December, at 4:30pm, Grace Church, at Waterman and Skinker, is filled with the warm glow of candlelight, as the majestic sound of organ, choir, and bells blend into a great harmony of Christmas glory.
The Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols, celebrated at Grace since 1920, will be held this year on Sunday, December 15 at 4:30pm.
This splendid celebration, held by candlelight that warmly illuminates the breathtaking interior of Grace Church, combines the glory of the world’s greatest musical compositions with the immortal words of the ancient Hebrew and Christian scriptures to create a richness of experience that fills the sanctuary with the awe and majesty of this special and meaningful season.
This year, the Candlelight Festival will begin with the unforgettable sound of a Baroque instrumental trio, featuring flute, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Throughout the evening, well-beloved Christmas carols will be sung by the audience, alternating with readings and musical performances, including selec tions from Handel’s Messiah, handbells, children’s choirs, and other renditions ranging from a 16th century motet to the lush beauty of Berlioz’s The Shepherd’s Farewell.
The original tradition of the Festival of Lessons and Carols was created from several different vocal customs in England in the early part of this century.
The lovely medieval tradition of singing carols from house to house in groups of adults or children gradually transformed over the centuries until, in 1878, the custom began of gathering at a local church on Christmas Eve for the singing of Christmas carols by all who assembled. By 1911, this practice had become formalized, and an elaborate book with instructions of readings, prayers, and music was issued in Truro, England. Within a few years, this service of Lessons and Carols as we know it today was established by the Dean of King’s College, Dr. E. A. MilnerWhite, in 1918.
The beautiful service was eagerly adopted by congregations around the world. Grace Methodist Church began presenting the Festival of Lessons and Carols in 1920 following exactly the same format as the one given yearly at King’s College. Throughout Grace’s history, the service has been so popular that during the 1940s and 50s, parishioners and members of the community were compelled to arrive almost an hour early in order to find a seat.
This year’s Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols, as always, is free and open to the public.
A nursery will be provided, although children are always welcome to attend the service.
For more information, call 863-1992.
Please join with us in this beloved and cherished tradition.
Original photograph caption
Stained glass detail,Grace Methodist Church. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1996.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1996_12.pdf, printed page(s) 3, 7; PDF page(s) 3, 7.
