Christ Church, Vittoria on December 14, 2024
The doors of Christ Church, Vittoria, were opened on Saturday evening, December 14, to welcome in the sound of 38 carolers, ready to sing in the Christmas spirit.
"I dare say it's been well over half a century since carols were sung in the sanctuary," said treasurer/secretary and archivist, James Christison.
Festive decorations and twinkling lights were a delight to behold in the church. The original 1880 Bell Organ was played by Vittoria's own J.P. Antonacci. O Holy Night on the organ was a real treat, said a caroler.
The church has no electricity so dressing warmly was part of the experience. Blankets and quilts decorated the pews to keep carolers warm as they sang and sipped hot apple cider. In lieu of monetary donation for admission, carolers were asked to bring non-perishable food items. Thanks to their generosity, an entire carload is going to the local food bank.
All had a wonderful evening singing and agreed it'll need to be an annual event. There were new attendees to the village who were able to see the inside of the church for the first time. The evening ended around a picturesque bonfire on the front lawn of the church, where people chatted into the evening.
Thank you to Christy Brown, James Christison, Joan Noram, Michele Crandall, Melissa Collver, J.P. Antonacci, and Nancy Ratz for making this happen. Have a Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas!
Rev. Leah Arvidsson
Photos: James Christison