The Samford Christmas traditions Hanging of the Green and Lighting of the way will take place on Thursday Nov. 29 in Reid Chapel and the Quad.
According to the Office of Spiritual Life, The Hanging of the Green, an Old English custom, initiates the Christmas season at Samford University each year. Led this year by the Worship Arts Ensemble, campus will reflect upon the meaning of Christmas through celebration and decoration with garlands, candles, Chrismons, the Advent wreath, music and responsive readings.
This year’s Hanging of the Green will be the first since Reid Chapel underwent renovation work. The event was not held last year due to those renovations.
Inspired by the traditional Lessons and Carols Service of Kings College at Cambridge, U.K., Samford’s Hanging of the Green began in 1980 under the direction of Ginny Bridges Ireland, then the director of Campus Ministries.
The program developed further with significant contributions by Timothy Banks and the University Chorale as well as the Bells of Buchanan under the direction of Billy J. Strickland. This year’s celebration will be led by the Worship Arts Ensemble under the direction of Eric Mathis, according to the OSL.
Gloria Roy will offer a Call to Worship and twelve senior-honorees will lead the congregation in celebration: Kyle Christian Church, Andrew Christopher Freeman, Olivia Katherine Halverson, Anna Marie Higginbotham, Emily Louise London, John Reed McMullan, Brittany Llane Morgan, Anne Davis Parks, Mary Kathryn Parrott, Jacob Ryan Payne, Mary Elizabeth Wagner, and Peyton Garrett Welch.
“Following Hanging of the Green, make your way on to the Quad for Lighting of the Way presented by Student Activities Council, Luminaries will light the way from Reid Chapel to Samford’s very own Christmas village, complete with Christmas cookie decorating, letters to Santa, hot cocoa and cider, reindeer food, and more,” Coordinator of Student Activities Meg Burleson said.
Lighting of the Way will start with the reading of the Christmas story by Jeanna Westmoreland and lighting of the Christmas tree. Following the lighting, a Christmas concert will be performed by recording artist Jon McLaughlin.
Hanging of the Green starts at 6 p.m. in Reid Chapel. Both events can be streamed through Samford’s website.
