ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—First Presbyterian Church of Englewood will be presenting its popular Annual Candlelight Carol Service on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m.
“This go-to event has been a tradition for Bergen County residents and friends for 107 years,” organizers told Northern Valley Press. “A service of Christmas carols, inspirational readings, and joyous music will welcome the community.”
Directed by Dr. David Macfarlane of Bogota, this Christmas service features the Chancel Choir, children’s chorus, soloists, brass and percussion instrumentalists performing traditional and contemporary Christmas carols.
Performers include local musicians Karen Stern (Tenafly) on the harp and flutist Margaret Swinchoski (Bogota), plus the Manhattan brass quartet and timpani. The soloists, lyric sopranos Sandra Ruggles and Iris Karlin (residents of Teaneck), have been a part of FPC’s musical programs for years and also perform professionally at such venues as the New York City Opera, Metropolitan Opera, Caramoor Festival, and New Jersey Symphony.
“The Chancel Choir, known for their performances of large-scale works, will bring the strength of their voices to this popular service,” said Macfarlane, FPC’s music director and organist, “and the instrumentalists will add depth and richness.”
Rev. Richard Hong will be leading the worship.
“We welcome everyone in the community to share this celebration with us,” said Hong. “We are so pleased to see generations of the same family, as well as seeing new faces and children come to our service.”
The service concludes with the traditional lighting of candles and the singing of “Silent Night.” Audience participants will be given hand candles so that they can join in the singing of this final carol.
All are welcome to come and enjoy Christmas service at FPC.
After a devastating fire around Easter time 2016, the church is rebuilding its burnt sanctuary and other parts of this historic church, with a scheduled completion date of 2020. The service will be held in the beautifully decorated refurbished Elmore Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 150 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood, N.J. For more information visit the website at www.englewoodpres.org or call (201) 568-7373.