Ouachita Baptist University will host its 17th annual A Service of Lessons and Carols on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.
A Service of Lessons and Carols has been a tradition at Ouachita since 1997. The traditional worship service dates back to 1880 in England. It was adopted by the chapel at King’s College in Cambridge in 1918 and was later broadcast around the world by the BBC on both radio and television.
The following groups will perform a variety of seasonal carols: Ouachita Singers, conducted by Dr. Gary Gerber, professor of music and director of choral activities; Women’s Chorus, conducted by Dr. Becky Morrison, assistant professor of music; and Handbell Ringers, conducted by Dr. Rob Hewell, associate professor of music and director of OBU’s Worship Studies Program. Congregational carols will be accompanied by organist Adam Haas.
“As we sing the glorious songs of the season, we are all drawn into the great redemptive narrative of Scripture,” said Hewell. ”We join our hearts and voices in a holy unison reminding us that the gospel is meant for all people in all places and in all times.”
Students, faculty, staff and administrators will read selected Old and New Testament scripture passages throughout the service.
The student readers for this year’s service include: Amber Easterly, a freshman business administration and management major from Bryant, Ark.; AlleaBelle Gongola, a sophomore psychology major from Dardanelle, Ark.; Hailee Bezet, a junior mass communications and speech communication major from Conway, Ark.; and Korey Byrd, a senior early childhood education major from Cypress, Texas.
Staff, faculty and administration readers include: Tracey Knight, administrative assistant for the Pruet School of Christian Studies; Carol Morgan, associate professor of communication disorders; Dr. Scott Holsclaw, dean of the School of Fine Arts; Dr. Doug Reed, associate vice president for academic affairs and LaDelle Moody Professor of Pre-Law Studies; and Dr. Rex Horne, president. Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement, will continue his annual role as narrator and prayer leader.
“Lessons and Carols is one of the most meaningful services of the Christmas season and of our entire year,” said Horne. “I enjoy being present in the service and participating as the last reader.”
PHOTO CREDIT TO TYLER ROSENTHAL
