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Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols

December 22, 2019

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100 Years

Created by Edward Benson, Bishop of Truro (UK) in 1880, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, seeking to offer an innovative worship service, the Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols was first sung in 1918 by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge (UK). In 1919, it was decided that the first Carol sung would be "Once in Royal David's City" by a solo boy soprano.  Today, the service is broadcast on Christmas Eve and listened to around the world.

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The service traces the lineage and nativity of our Lord, Jesus Christ through a series of 9 Lessons from the New and Old Testaments, interspersed with anthems and carols sung by the Choir and Congregation. 

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Lessons and Carols at Calvary

Calvary has been offering a Lessons and Carols service for the last 11 years, keeping true to our roots in the Anglican tradition.  This year it will be held on December 22nd at 4 pm.  The service bulletin, choral repertoire and recordings from 2018 are below for your reference and enjoyment. 

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Director of Music, Shawn Dawson

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2019 Service Bulletin

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Calvary Episcopal Church |  821 South Fourth Street   Louisville, KY 40203  502-587-6011

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