Joan Wilson & Colin Wilson

Elmslie United Memorial Church put on their “The Advent of Choral Music & Readings” on Sunday (16) with both choirs from the George Town United Charges, Elmslie and George Hicks.

It was a most delightful evening, even with the very disappointing turnout, to watch and hear inspiring readings and delightfully sung carols.

There was even the Steel Pan Ensemble who performed a delightful Caribbean version of “Amazing Grace”.

Carols included “Come Thou Expected Jesus”, Once in Royal David’s City”, “sing Noel”, “Worship the Sovereign Lord”, “O Come Emmanuel”,  “El-Shaddai”, “While Shepherd’s Watched” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Thou Didst leave Thy Throne”.

The readings were from Isaiah, Genesis, Luke, and John.

Finally the Steel Pan Ensemble were back again to delight everyone with “Joy to the World”

Joan

St. George’s Anglican Church was the venue for the Anglican traditional “Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols”.

It was conducted mostly in candlelight with both the very young, young, middle-aged and the more mature of us taking part.

The church was almost full and Fran McConvey, the church’s choir director has performed miracles with acting minister in charge, Rev. Mary Graham, putting together such a wonderful evening.

There were guest performances from Mary Ann Chase who played the violin and Abbie & the Boys, a teenage ensemble who sang, played guitar, trumpet and drums from Savannah United Church. “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas” has never sounded better.

There was also an instrumental duet from two youngsters who I thought were going to come to blows as they tried to push each other out of the way to get to the one microphone. As they were so small they were standing on a set of steps made for one. Even with a chair alongside both wanted to stand on the steps! Very precarious, but also very amusing. Thankfully no one fell off.

Lessons were from Genesis, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew and John.

Carols included “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”, “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”, “Down From His Glory”, “While Shepherds Watched”, “And the Stars Sang”, “Silent Night”, “Angel’s Carol”, “Angels From the Realm of Glory”, and “joy to the World”.

Absolutely glorious.

Colin