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Esk Community Choir in the beautiful Anglican Church in Toogoolawah. |
Folklore states
that in 1880, the soon-to-be Archbishop of Canterbury organized the first The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in a temporary wooden structure which served as
his Cathedral. And while St Andrew's
Anglican Church in Toogoolawah could never be regarded as
"temporary", this shingle roofed historically significant, beautiful
little wooden church having served its congregation since 1912, it could not
have been a more perfect setting for The
Advent Service of Readings, Hymns and Prayers held on 30th November, 2014, the
first Sunday of Advent.
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St Andrew's Anglican Church Toogoolawah. |
This service was
conducted by The Reverend Frances Andrews in conjunction with Alexis FitzGerald
and her Esk Community Choir. Together
with a dedicated congregation in a format loosely based on the traditions of
the original Nine Lessons and Carols,
this day's service also told of the of
the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. It did this in seven Lessons of short Bible
readings from Isaiah to the books of the Gospels, each delivered to the
congregation by representatives of the Church and all interspersed with the
singing of well-loved Christmas carols, uplifting hymns and beautiful choral
music to the sublime accompaniment of Margaret at the organ.
From the lighting
of the first candle within the Advent Wreath - the candle of Hope - to the
final Blessing by Reverend Frances and the singing of "Joy to the
World" which sent spirits as well as voices soaring, this was a musically
colourful and inspirational service and one of which the Esk Community Choir
felt privileged to be an integral part.
We sincerely thank Reverend Frances and her band of Angels for their
welcoming fellowship and gracious hospitality.
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Soloist Patrina McLeod |
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