ST CHAD’S AND ST MARY IN THE BAUM

ST CHAD’S, on Sparrow Hill, overlooking the town centre, has been Rochdale’s Parish Church for over

800 years. Together with our sister church, St Mary in the Baum, we are still serving the community of Rochdale today, and you are warmly welcome to join us over Christmas, to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Last Sunday, St Chad’s held its annual Candlelit Carol Service. As the lights were dimmed, with just those on the giant Christmas tree and the candles alight, the choir began “Once in Royal David’s City”, before processing around the church during the singing of the carol.

The Rev Pamela Parr led the prayers, and the Vicar, the Rev Anne Gilbert, provided The Blessing.

Members of St Chad’s congregation, including the Wardens, read eight of the Christmas lessons, from the Book of Genesis; the Book of Isaiah; St Matthew’s Gospel; St Luke’s Gospel; and two sonnets by Steven Shakespeare, “The Annunciation” and “The Birth of Jesus”.

The ninth lesson, from St John’s Gospel, was read by Hannah Currin. Directed by Philip Lowe, the choir sang “Adam lay y bounden” (a 15th century text set to music by Philip); Kindle a Light” (by Michael Fleming and Michael Foster); “A Maiden most Gentle” (with words by Andrew Carter set to a traditional French melody); “The Holly and the Ivy” (a traditional English carol, with music by Philip Lowe); and “Whence is that goodly Fragrance flowing” (a traditional French carol, with music arranged by David Willcocks).

Other carols were sung by the choir and the congregation, who included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Ian Sandiford, and councillors, with the lights again dimmed for the final carol, “O Come all Ye Faithful”. Festive refreshments were enjoyed after the service.

Tomorrow, Sunday, December 24, is Christmas Eve, the 4th Sunday of Advent. The Eucharist, with hymns and carols, is at St Mary’s at 9.15am and St Chad’s at 11.15 am. The celebrant and preacher at both services is the Vicar, the Rev Anne Gilbert.

At 11.30pm, Midnight Mass, with carols, is at St Chad’s, the first Eucharist of Christmas Day. The celebrant and preacher is the Area Dean, Canon Karen Smeeton.

Monday next, December 25, is Christmas Day. Christmas Eucharist, with carols, is at St Mary’s at 10am. Please note the later time. The celebrant and preacher is the Vicar.

There is no other morning service at St Chad’s on Christmas Day. St Chad’s and St Mary in the Baum wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.