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Holiday season brings Lessons and Carols
11/19/2009 2:26:00 PM, 585 views
After the Lessons and Carols program, everyone proceeds to the Lakeside for the Lighting of the Great Tree.
To kick off the holiday season, Darlington will host its 26th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in Morris Chapel.
This service actually originated more than 125 years ago in the English city of Truro. In 1918, King’s College, Cambridge University, adopted the service, and the following year, they began the tradition of opening with the hymn “Once in a Royal David’s City.” Credit for the world-fame of the Lessons and Carols service belongs to the BBC, which began broadcasting the King’s College service worldwide in 1928.
Sponsored by the Darlington “Y” Cabinet, this year’s service will feature instrumental ensembles, the Concert Choir and the Lower School Chorus. Musical highlights include “The Wexford Carol,” “Adam Lay Ybounden,” “Lux Aurumque,” “Nativity Carol,” “Little Star” and traditional favorites like "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Fourth-grader Russell Shealy will also sing a solo, “Once In Royal David’s City.” Over 130 students are participating.
“Lessons and Carols has become a wonderful tradition at Darlington that involves students from the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools,” said Sam Moss ('63), dean of college guidance. “The service is built around nine biblical lessons. Between the readings, a series of carols and anthems is presented.”
At the conclusion of the service, it has become tradition for the congregation to proceed outside for the Lighting of the Great Tree and caroling. This ceremony honors the lives of the late Dr. and Mrs. E.L. Wright, who began this tree-lighting tradition and who served Darlington for over 40 years. Dr. Wright was Darlington’s headmaster from 1920 until 1954, and president from 1954 to 1963.
Other upcoming holiday events include the Traditions of Christmas Choral Concert on Dec. 13, the Middle School Orchestra Christmas Concert on Dec. 14, the Lower School Christmas Programs on Dec. 15 and 17, Visit the School Calendar for information on times and locations. Admission to all events is free.
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