This Sunday, December 29th, at 5 p.m., Christ Church Westerly, located at 7 Elm Street, will host its annual Festival of Lessons & Carols for Christmas. This cherished event features the renowned Christ Church Choir, under the direction of organist and choirmaster George Kent.
About George Kent
George Kent has been a pivotal figure in Rhode Island's musical landscape for decades. Serving as the organist and choirmaster at Christ Church since 1956, he founded the Chorus of Westerly in 1959, fostering a community where children and adults perform major choral works together. His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Governor’s Arts Award and a Doctor of Divinity degree (honoris causa) from the General Theological Seminary in New York City.
History of Lessons & Carols
The Festival of Lessons & Carols is a traditional service that originated in England in the late 19th century. It combines scripture readings (lessons) that recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, and the birth of Jesus, interspersed with carols and hymns reflecting on the readings. This format has been adopted worldwide, becoming a beloved part of Christmas celebrations.
About Christ Church Westerly
Established in 1834, Christ Church Westerly has a rich history and is known for its Gothic Revival architecture. The current building, constructed with locally quarried granite, was consecrated in 1894. The church is also home to a ten-bell chime installed in 1905 and features stained glass windows by notable designers, including Charles Booth and Herman Verbinnen.
Attend In-Person or Online
All are welcome to attend the Festival of Lessons & Carols in person. For those unable to join physically, Christ Church offers livestreams of all services on their Facebook page, YouTube channel, and official website. This special presentation will also be simulcast on all channels here on 321.
Join us for an evening of reflection and music, celebrating the spirit of Christmas with the Christ Church community.
