West Virginia Wesleyan College - Murmurmontis Yearbook (Buckhannon, WV)

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Looking out on candlelight, the campus waits for Christmas celebrations to official- ly begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Providing the music for the evening, the members of the Concert Chorale perform. 25

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Making a special appearance on cam- pus, Bishop William Boyd Groves delivers the twelfth lesson during the Festival of Lessons and Carols. ( hristmas Celebration The air turned cold and the first few flurries began to float from the sky. Thoughts turned to bright lights, candy canes and reindeer. As the Christmas spirit hit campus, plans were made for students to celebrate before going home. The traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols was celebrated on Sunday December 4, but the real preparation began on Friday. Approximately 40 people par- ticipated in the Hanging of the Greens festivities, sponsored by Christian Life Council. Everyone gathered in Kresge Hall to make the garlands that would decorate the Chapel during the Christmas festivities. The legend of the Christmas tree comes to life in the explanation by sophomore Jim Hawk. Reaching to put the garland in place, these three participants finish a long evening. Helping make the greens was special for me. I ' ve never done anything like that before and it made the ceremony much more special for me, explained freshman Nancy Henderson. Exhausted and covered in pine tar, the group went back to their rooms to rest, before getting up ear- ly the next morning to finish hanging the greens. Finally, all was prepared for Sunday evening ' s festivities. The Festival of Lessons and Carols officially began the Christmas festivities. Various people delivered the 12 lessons, including Dr. Kathryn Gregg, Dean Dallas Bailey, Greg Burnell 24 Traditions

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Braving the heights senior David Hui climbs high to bring hang the greens as sophomore Meg Tankersley and freshman ' Andy Peterson help. hristmas Celebration and Bishop William Boyd Groves. The Concert Chorale members led the singing during the evening. I was so glad that I went. It made me take time out of a hectic schedule to think about the true meaning of Christmas, said freshman Jan McCauley. There was an extra special sur- prise waiting for those who attended. They were witness to the filming of the event for statewide showing. During the Christmas holidays, it was shown on various stations at Wesleyan ' s Christmas present to the state. After the service, the congrega- tion filed outside to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. With candles tie, everyone sang Silent Might, bringing the Christmas celebration to a close. A reception was held in the SCOW, to let everyone continue celebrating. Refreshments were served as people chatted around the large Christmas tree in the center of the Social Hall. Others gathered around a roaring fire and sang Christmas carols. Music, warmth and laughter filled tired academic minds. The spirit of love was renewed in the mind hearts of students. The real meaning of Christmas was impressed upon those who attended. Waiting for the lighting of the Christmas tree, these members of the congregation sing Silent Might. 26 Traditions