Service of Lessons and Carols to Ring in Holiday Season

The Fairmont State University Community Chorus and the Cambridge Handbell Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Fairmont will present a traditional Service of Lessons and Carols at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the First Presbyterian Church, 301 Jackson St., Fairmont. The program is free and open to the public. A goodwill offering will be collected.

The service will consist of nine scripture readings that trace the story of the fall of humanity, prophecies of the coming Messiah and the birth of Jesus. Musical selections will be interspersed throughout the program, including “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” the “Carol of the Bells,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and other well-known Christmas carols.

Readers for the service will include FSU President Maria Rose, Pierpont Community and Technical College President Johnny Moore, City of Fairmont Mayor Ron Straight and other community leaders.

“First Presbyterian Church is pleased to be in partnership with Fairmont State University for our fifth consecutive year, as we present a worship service that brings different members of our community together to celebrate the Christmas season,” said Rev. Elise Neal, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. “I look forward to hearing the many talented voices and the beautiful ringing of the Cambridge handbells. It will truly put you in the Christmas spirit.”

The FSU Community Chorus is directed by Sam Spears, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at FSU. The Cambridge Handbell Choir is led by John Morrison, Director of Music at First Presbyterian and FSU faculty member. The two ensembles will perform both together and separately. Morrison will accompany the service on First Presbyterian’s majestic pipe organ. 

The format of the Service of Lessons and Carols dates back to 1880, when it was first instituted at the Cathedral of Truro in England. It became quite popular among Anglican congregations, and it has since been adapted and used by churches around the world. The Fairmont service will be modeled somewhat after the very well-known Service of Lessons and Carols presented by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. The service has been held yearly at King’s College since 1918. It is broadcast to millions of people around the world each Christmas Eve.

For more information about the service, contact Sam Spears at (304) 367-4118 or Sam.Spears@fairmontstate.edu.

Community ChorusSchool of Fine ArtsDepartment of MusicDr. Sam SpearsJohn Morrison