Wilson College Joyously Celebrates 105 Years of Christmas Vespers

Wilson College invites the community to begin the holiday season at its 105th Christmas Vespers on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4:30 p.m. in the historic Alumnae Chapel in Thomson Hall on the college campus. Leading the service will be the Rev. Andrew Hart, D.Min., the Nancy Adams Besch ’48 and Elisabeth Hudnut Clarkson ’47 college chaplain, and Dillon Beede, M.M., Ed.M., director of choral activities and chair of music.  

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“Christmas Vespers invites us to experience the inbreaking light of hope and peace into the shadows of a weary world,” said Hart. “This service is a reminder that even in seasons of darkness, the promise of light endures and that light calls us to prepare our hearts for joy.” 

This year, the service will draw inspiration from the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols first held on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College, Cambridge, England, at the end of World War I. The program will feature readings, anthems, and carols that transcend divisions, affirm shared humanity, and encourage spiritual preparation for the holiday season.  

The service will showcase musical performances by the Cumberland Valley Chorale, the BrassWorks brass quintet, organist David Erickson, and pianist Diana Reinert, and readings by members of the Wilson College and Chambersburg communities. 

Wilson’s Christmas Vespers is free and open to the public. The service will also be livestreamed. For more information visit www.wilson.edu/vespers.