Joy, Exuberance Mark Groton's 85th Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Joyous ethereal voices reached the heights of St. John's Chapel as Groton School celebrated its favorite holiday tradition, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The Chapel filled to capacity three times in recent days: the first service drew people from the surrounding areas, the second attracted alumni and faculty, and the third was dedicated primarily to Groton’s on-campus community.

For the second service, on December 15, more than 400 viewers from around the world tuned in live online. Alumni, parents, and other friends of Groton School watched and listened from Argentina, Bermuda, China, the Czech Republic, France, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand, as well as from 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Lessons and Carols, an English tradition, has been part of Groton School's holiday celebration since 1928. This year’s service marked the event's 85th year at Groton. The beauty, spirituality, and warmth of the service continue to resonate with alumni long after graduation, and many return to campus for the service each year. The service began with a prelude by the Groton School Chamber Orchestra, directed by Tim Terranella, and included a traditional vocal repetoire, performed by the Groton School Choir, under the guidance of Director of Choral Music Christopher Hampson.

Various students, faculty, and friends shared religious readings—the lessons—during the three services. Among those reading were Headmaster Temba Maqubela and former Headmaster Bill Polk.

Listen to the Groton School Choir sing the "Sussex Carol" at the 2013 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

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