Lessons and Carols

The tradition of the Service of Lessons and Carols dates back to Christmas Eve of 1918 and Cambridge University in England. Planned by the new Dean of King’s College, fresh from his role as army chaplain in World War I, the service has become a tradition for many colleges across the world.

Hamilton College welcomes the local community to this service in the college chapel. Clergy from local churches participate in the service, and we invite parishioners from those churches as well as the campus community and the general public to join us in the celebration of the Advent season, anticipating the profound joy of Christmas, reading together the biblical narratives of hope and the familiar songs of comfort and joy. Officiating over the service are the Rev. Jeffrey H. McArn, College Chaplain and Fr. Peter El Hachem, Catholic Chaplain, with the assistance of readers and candle bearers from the Hamilton College student body. A reception with Christmas cookies, punch and coffee follows the service upstairs in the chapel. The service is, of course, free and open to the public.