Old Chebogue church to host seasonal service

Those planning to attend Dec. 17 event advised to dress warmly

Among Yarmouth County’s an- nual seasonal events is the traditional candlelight Christmas service of lessons and carols at the Old Congregational Church of Chebogue, which will be held Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m.

Organizers invite people to attend and hear the Christmas story as told through biblical readings and the singing of carols.

The service includes music led by the recorder group Accidental Consort and singing led by the Strolling Carollers.

Those planning to attend the service again are advised to dress warmly, given that there is no heat in the more-than-centuryand-a-half-old building.

Event spokesperson Stephen Sollows says attendance for the service in past years has been very good.

“We often get between 50 and 80 people,” he said. “I guess everything is relative in that the church only seats around 85 or so.”

The service has been an annual part of the Christmas season since a new board of trustees took over the church property a couple of decades or so ago.

Initially, the service was held later in the day and – given the early December darkness and the fact that the church has no electricity – the “candlelight” aspect of the service was accentuated more, Sollows said.

“In more recent years, the service is earlier in the afternoon, so the looming early darkness is not so much of a challenge,” he said.

He says there is a nice social aspect to the service. Those who attend are invited afterwards to have some hot mulled cider and sweets.

“For many of us, it’s is an opportunity to see a neighbour or a friend,” Sollows said. “After the service the hot cider is always a welcome contrast to the coldness of the day, with many staying behind to share warm wishes and words with the whole community.”