BY HILLARY VIDERS
NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Elmore Hall in the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood resounded with Christmas carols, inspirational readings and joyful music on Sunday, Dec. 16.
During an afternoon holiday program directed by Dr. David Macfarlane, the Chancel Choir and instrumentalists performed traditional and contemporary Christmas carols, including “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”
Performers included harpist Karen Stern, flutist Margaret Swinchoski, the Manhattan Brass Quartet and lyric sopranos Sandra Ruggles and Iris Karlin.
The Candlelight Carol Service has been a FPCE tradition since 1912, when it began under the direction of organist Harold Gardner Fink. It has continued every year since then, although for a few years it was held at the Englewood Theater and the Englewood Armory.
This year’s service was led by Rev. Richard Hong, the church’s Pastor, and Felicia Arrigoitia, director of Family Ministries.
The concert was directed by Macfarlane, who has been the organist and choirmaster at First Presbyterian Church since 2002.
The Chancel Choir consisted of 15 singers, both professional and amateur. The group also sings weekly for Sunday services as well as for occasional concerts, most recently collaborating with the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra for concerts of music by Bach and Handel.
Elmore Hall was filled to capacity, with hundreds of congregants and guests of all ages. The service included carols in English and Latin by composers from America, England, France, Germany and Italy. The format was based on the famous Festival of Lessons and Carols from Kings College, which alternates readings of the Christmas story with carols by the choir and Christmas hymns by the congregation.
In addition to the program book, all of the songs and prayers were displayed on large screens, making it easy for the audience to join in.
A particularly moving and spiritual moment took place at the conclusion of the program. Everyone was asked to illuminate their (battery operated) candle that had been given out before the service began. As the candles shed a beautiful light in the darkened hall, everyone joined the choir in the traditional singing of “Silent Night.”
Like the candles that were lit at the service, The First Presbyterian Church of Englewood is itself a beacon of light and hope that shines brightly throughout Englewood.
Photos by Hillary Viders