NewsAcademicsFine ArtsChoral Music
Holiday season brings Lessons and Carols
Nov 17, 2008 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
To kick off the holiday season, Darlington will host its 25th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols Dec. 7 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 the Ladies' and Men's Chorale, the Third-Grade Chorus, and the Upper School Instrumental Ensemble.
“Lessons and Carols has become a wonderful tradition at Darlington that involves students from the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools,” said Sam Moss, 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 Holiday Instrumental Concert Dec. 12, the Traditions of Christmas Concert Dec. 14 and Lower School Christmas Programs Dec. 17-18. Visit the School Calendar for information on times and locations. Admission to all events is free.
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 the Ladies' and Men's Chorale, the Third-Grade Chorus, and the Upper School Instrumental Ensemble.
“Lessons and Carols has become a wonderful tradition at Darlington that involves students from the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools,” said Sam Moss, 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 Holiday Instrumental Concert Dec. 12, the Traditions of Christmas Concert Dec. 14 and Lower School Christmas Programs Dec. 17-18. Visit the School Calendar for information on times and locations. Admission to all events is free.
