Christmas Spirit Soars at Lessons & Carols
Once again this Christmas season, Groton School’s Service of Nine Lessons & Carols filled St. John’s Chapel with the spirituality of prayer, the comfort of familiar hymns, and the joy of gathering as a community.
On Thursday night, December 15, the last of three services drew Groton’s students, faculty, and staff to the Chapel. The first service, December 9, had welcomed the public, while the second, December 11, had been dedicated to parents and alumni.
Though focused on the campus community, the final service had the largest reach, thanks to a livestream broadcast that attracted Groton’s extended family from all over the world. They tuned in to relive the Lessons & Carols services of their own Groton years; to share in the experience of their children, who were sitting in the Chapel; or simply to enjoy the beautiful setting and the moving Christmas music.
Eight hundred forty-two viewers tuned in to the livestream Thursday night. They joined in Groton's beloved holiday tradition from at least thirteen countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Eight hundred forty-two viewers tuned in to the livestream Thursday night. They joined in Groton's beloved holiday tradition from at least thirteen countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
During the service, Groton's Choir, under the guidance of Choirmaster and Organist Daniel Moriarty, sang traditional hymns and carols, while honorees shared the nine religious readings—the lessons. Among the readers on Thursday night were Headmaster Temba Maqubela, former Headmaster Bill Polk, Director of Building and Grounds Timothy Dumont, and several students.
Readers at the December 11 service included several alumni, while the December 9 service featured readings by representatives from a local church, senior care facility, and Lawrence Academy.
The Reverend Christopher Whiteman, the school chaplain, presided at each service, which began after a prelude by the Groton School Chamber Orchestra, directed by Tim Terranella.
Readers at the December 11 service included several alumni, while the December 9 service featured readings by representatives from a local church, senior care facility, and Lawrence Academy.
The Reverend Christopher Whiteman, the school chaplain, presided at each service, which began after a prelude by the Groton School Chamber Orchestra, directed by Tim Terranella.
The final Lessons & Carols service—the day before students leave for the holiday break—radiates with anticipation for the coming holiday. As students take off to celebrate with family and friends, Groton School sends warm holiday wishes to all!
See photos from Lessons & Carols on our multimedia page.
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