Lucknow Carolfest impresses full house, despite nasty winter weather

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

The Christmas season began in joyful, cross-county harmony on Sunday, Nov. 30, as Lucknow United Church (LUC) hosted its annual Carolfest, welcoming choirs and congregations from across Huron and Bruce Counties.

 

Despite the frightful weather, every pew in Lucknow’s largest church was filled, the sanctuary glowing with festive spirit. The Lucknow Classics Band helped everybody find their seats, and attendees were welcomed by Linda Roberts, who set the tone for a delightful afternoon spent celebrating the heart of the holiday season.

 

Beloved favourites such as “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “What Child Is This” and “Away in a Manger” echoed warmly through the church, their familiar melodies strengthened by the combined voices of all those who had gathered together in song.
Carolfest’s host choir, the LUC Choir,  under the direction of Ashton Dunk, offered stirring performances of “And the Stars Sang” and “Good News, Everybody Listen”.

 

The South Kinloss Church Choir, directed by Dale Gilchrist, followed with heartfelt renditions of “Noel, Noel” and “Light the Candle, Mary”.

 

Trinity United Church’s choir, guided by Ruth Alton, lifted their voices in “Sing, Noel” and a jubilant “Angels We Have Heard on High”. 

 

Rev. Robert Royal delivered the offertory prayer, and the generosity of those gathered was evident as collection plates filled with freewill offerings in support of the Wingham and Goderich Salvation Army Christmas Fund.

 

The Lucknow Community Christian Reformed Church Choir, directed by Melinda Zettler, contributed “Where the Stable Light Shines” and “Noel”, while the Lucknow Presbyterian Church Choir, led by Norma Raynard, offered moving versions of “Under the Stars” and “Come See”.

 

The final choir of the afternoon, the St. Joseph’s Kingsbridge Community Choir, directed by Marianne Hogan and accompanied by Laurie Dalton, presented “Dream a Dream” and “For Unto Us a Child Is Born”, closing the musical program on a high note.
Pastor Raymond Evans offered the benediction before the congregation joined together for one last classic carol: “Silent Night”.

 

If Sunday’s performances are any indication, it seems impossible that anyone could ever tire of Christmas music - not when it is delivered with such warmth, community spirit and heartfelt joy.