Southern Wesleyan University Hosts its Annual Lessons and Carols Service
Dec 18, 2025 | Special Events
On Saturday, December 7, Southern Wesleyan University celebrated the beginning of the holiday season with its annual Lessons and Carols service.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols originated with a Christmas Eve service held at King’s College Chapel at the University of Cambridge. Introduced in 1918, it was designed to offer a more imaginative approach to worship. First broadcast in 1928, the service is now aired to millions of people worldwide. It includes nine lessons, each telling a part of the biblical story, from the fall of humanity and the promise of the Messiah to the birth of Jesus. These lessons span from the book of Genesis through the prophets and conclude with the Gospels.
The opening carol, “Once in Royal David’s City,” is traditionally sung by a child and was performed this year by Sadie Chapman. Readers included faculty, staff, students, and local leaders from the Central community, including:
- Laura Hedden, Director of Career Services, Southern Wesleyan University
- Dr. Chad Stutz, Vice Provost of Academic Initiatives and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Southern Wesleyan University
- Curtis Peek, Member of Central Town Council, South Carolina
- Rev. Emily Holley, Associate Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of Church Engagement, Southern Wesleyan University
- Phillip Bowers, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
- Trinity Bowman, Student, Women’s Lacrosse, Southern Wesleyan University
- John Power, Assistant Vice President of Advancement and Major Gift Officer, Southern Wesleyan University
Rev. Ken Dill, University Chaplain Emeritus, Southern Wesleyan University, orchestrated the Lessons and Carols program once again this year, continuing a tradition he has led at SWU for 26 years.
Musical performances were provided by the University Wind Ensemble, Professor Emerita Jane Dill, Dr. Amber James, the University Concert Choir, and the University Singers.
We invite you to watch the video recording of this special event online.
About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to www.swu.edu
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