WILSON, N.C. — November 18, 2021 — Crisscrossed walkways lined with luminaries, the magic of a towering Christmas tree twinkling with lights, familiar Christmas readings shared aloud, and memory-stirring melodies filling the night air — this awaits all who plan to join the Barton College community for the much anticipated 2021 Lighting of the Luminaries and the Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Ushering in the Christmas season, this longstanding Barton tradition will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 30. The surrounding community is invited to join the festive celebration beginning outside at 6 p.m. Face masks are encouraged for the outdoor celebration and social distancing should be observed.
Seating will be very limited inside Howard Chapel. All those attending the Service of Lessons and Carols must wear face masks inside the building and must continue to observe social distancing protocols.
With more than 2,200 luminaries lining 32 acres of the main campus, students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends of the College will gather in front of the Aileen and Bill Parish Plaza, outside Howard Chapel on center campus, for the blessing and lighting of the Christmas tree. The outdoor program will include brief remarks by Barton College President Douglas N. Searcy and Dr. Rodney Werline, Dean of Howard Chapel, as well as musical selections by Barton students.
The Service of Lessons and Carols will immediately follow the blessing and lighting of the Christmas tree. The service will feature the Barton College Choir led by music director Mark Peterson. Musical selections will be interspersed with readings of scripture by members of the Barton community.
For additional information about the Lighting of the Luminaries Celebration or the Service of Lessons and Carols, please contact Dr. Rodney A. Werline, Dean of Howard Chapel and the Marie and Leman Barnhill Endowed Chair in Religious Studies, at rawerline@barton.edu or 252-399-6447, and Mark N. Peterson, director of music, at mpeterson@barton.edu or 252-399-6535, respectively.
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