Pamela M.
Yelp
"A Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols" presented annually at All Saints' Chapel every December at The University of the South, Sewanee is a lovely time to visit the University of the South campus! At this Gothic tradition, described by Jon Meacham, "...visitors come from across the South to experience classic services modeled on the choral majesty of King's College Chapel in Cambridge, England."
From last year's program, "In this service we present the double meaning of the Advent season. From the West Door, the Responsory of ancient Matins on Advent Sunday announces the hope of Messiah. Then, the Choir and Chancel party will move in procession from west to east, illustrating the theme "from darkness to light." The subsequent readings and music direct attention to the coming of Messiah, and further, to the Second Coming at the End of the Age. The Christian
Church lives between these two points: the first, Christmastide with the incarnation of the Son of God, and the second, His coming again to judge and to recreate His universe."
At this service, All Saints is decked out with beautiful poinsettias and the Priest dispenses incense. The stained glass windows are absolutely stunning and the chapel is beautiful!
Lessons and Carols annually attracts nearly 3000 people to Sewanee! 2025 will be the 66th Festival of Lessons and Carols! When I have attended tickets were free and it's really important to arrive early, as their is always a line to enter this especially beautiful chapel for this service!
The Course at "Sewanee" golf course is absolutely lovely, too! It is a nine hole golf course that was redesigned in 2013. It opened for play in 1915.
Thanks, Sewanee for 13,000 beautiful Tennessee acres, and the annual "A Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols."