Second Presbyterian Chancel Choir

A Christmas Eve tradition returns to Second Presbyterian Church, 700 Pine St., on Monday.

The service of Nine Lessons and Carols will begin at 5 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Perry McCallen officiating.

Created at Kings College Cambridge in 1908, the service of Lessons and Carols features readings from the Bible, beginning with Creation and continuing through the story of the birth of Christ. The lessons will alternate with anthems sung by the Second Presbyterian Chancel Choir and traditional Christmas carols sung by all.

Carlton Thomas, Missy Peirano, Jack Raulston, Bob Janney, Karen Maynard, Chloe Langston, Steve Riggs, Norma Witherspoon and David Franklin will be the readers of the lessons. Mickey Kingdon will be the organist, and the Rev. Stephenie D. Maddox Hill will play flute.

Dr. Kevin Ford, director of music at Second Presbyterian as well as UTC's director of choral activities, will conduct the service.

Anthems in this year's service include a traditional setting of "The Lord at First Did Adam Make," "The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came" by Pettman and Wickham, "The Darkest Midnight in December" by Stephen Main, "Coventry Carol" arranged by Martin Shaw, and "Of the Father's Love Begotten," arranged by Paul Wohlgemuth.

Admission is free. Because this is an all-ages service, no child care will be provided.

For more information, call 266-2828.