(Media release from Darlington School):
Darlington School will officially welcome the holidays this year with the 38th Annual Service of Lessons & Carols, which returns to Morris Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. The free event is open to the public and sponsored by the Darlington “Y” Cabinet, and will be led primarily by members of the student body.
The order of service is centered around nine biblical lessons that tell the story of the birth of Christ, with musical interludes between each narrative.
“Lessons & Carols is Darlington’s oldest and longest standing one-school event,” said Sam Moss (‘63), dean of college guidance. “This service has become a wonderful tradition at Darlington that involves students of all ages.”
The holiday concert will feature the 4th and 5th Grade Choir, the Concert Choir and the Darlington Orchestra. Among the featured congregational hymns are Christmas classics including “Joy to the World,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
“New faces and new voices bring energy and excitement to this service each year, making it a truly cherished holiday tradition to our Darlington friends and family,” said Kim Tunnell, director of fine arts. “We keep the scriptures and lessons the same, but the student groups that perform each year make each performance special.”
Following the service in Morris Chapel, the congregation will sing carols outside as the school’s Great Tree is lit, a tradition that was started by the late Dr. and Mrs. E.L. Wright. Dr. Wright served as Darlington’s headmaster from 1920-54, and as president from 1954-63.
After the tree has been illuminated, guests will be invited to enjoy hot chocolate and other refreshments in The Cove.
Originally an Anglican church service, the Service of Lessons & Carols has expanded to schools and universities worldwide that encompass a variety of different affiliations. The program dates back more than 125 years to Truro, England, and was adopted in 1918 by King’s College, Cambridge University. Lessons & Carols garnered worldwide fame after the BBC first broadcast the service in 1928.
For those who are unable to attend, Lessons and Carols will be streamed live at www.darlingtonschool.org.