The tradition of a Service of Lessons and Carols is straight from the Anglican tradition. E. W. Benson, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury, created the first service of alternating readings from Scripture and Truro Cathedral, Cornwall, United Kingdom, location of the carols for use in his cathedral first service of Lessons & Carols. in Truro, England. King’s College, Cambridge, began holding its annual Festival of Lessons and Carols in 1918 and the practice has been adopted by many other churches since. This service always begins with the carol “Once in Royal David’s City” sung by a solo chorister, chosen on the spot without any warning. A newly commissioned carol by a modern composer is always included also. This year, the Master Singers of Northern Virginia will revive their tradition of a Service of Lessons Carols from King’s and Carols here at Trinity, for which I will serve as organist. We will also host a concert by the Blue Ridge Singers, a choir from the Northern Shenandoah Valley, who will present a concert of new and old arrangements of familiar holiday tunes. Of course, our own Trinity Choir will prepare music to enhance our worship services over this period. Whatever the repertoire, music can provide a powerful force to draw people to the church. I encourage you to partake in the musical richness of Advent and Christmas at Trinity, and find hope and peace in the glorious music offered to the Glory of God.
Dan Miller 12
