The Second Presbyterian Chancel Choir will be a part of the "Nine Lessons and Carols" program on Christmas Eve.IF YOU GO¦ What: Nine Lessons and Carols.¦ When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.¦ Where: Second Presbyterian Church, 700 Pine St.¦ Admission: Free.¦ Phone: 423-266- 2828.
The birth of Jesus will be told through nine lessons of Scripture and carols on Christmas Eve during a 5:30 p.m. service at Second Presbyterian Church.
The service will combine Bible readings, choral anthems and congregational singing, according to Dr. Kevin Ford, director of choirs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and at the church.
Members of the church congregation will serve as lay readers for the nine lessons. They are David Peirano, Bob Janney, Karen Maynard, Norma Witherspoon, David Franklin, Gary Snodgrass, Steve Riggs, Jack Raulston and Natasha Roberson. Matt and Leanne Carbone and their family will join Dr. Perry McCallen for the spoken part of the service.
Interspersed with the readings will be music sung by the Second Presbyterian Chancel Choir joined by former members of the UTC Chamber Singers and Music Department faculty members Dr. Robert Dean and Robert Hansel.
Accompanied by organist Mickey Kingdon, the choir will perform "Ave Maria" from "The All Night Vigil" by Sergei Rachmaninoff; "Coventry Carol," arranged by Dale Warland; "I Wonder as I Wander" by John Jacob Niles, featuring soprano soloist Kristen Wiram; and "Tell the World the Christ Was Born," composed by Second Presbyterian Church member Elizabeth Houston.
The service will conclude with a candlelit singing of "Silent Night" by the congregation,
Ford says children are welcome to attend the service, but child care will be provided.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.