Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 21 at 4 p.m.
sung by the Cathedral Choir & Choristers
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is our first proclamation of Christmas. Modeled after the famous carol service from King's College, Cambridge, the service opens with a solo chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. Lessons and Carols celebrates the Christmas story with lessons from scripture, carols new and old sung by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers, and beloved Christmas hymns sung by the congregation. This service is free and open to all, and it is always popular, so we recommend you arrive early to claim your preferred seat.
Choral Repertoire:
Preston - I saw three ships
Ord - Adam lay ybounden
Goldschmidt - A tender shoot
Weir - Illuminare, Jerusalem
Stanford - A Song of Peace
Sandström - Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
Poulenc - Hodie Christus natus est
Britten - This little babe, from Ceremony of Carols
Pettman - The Infant King
A prelude of Christmas organ music will begin at 3:30, played by Assistant Director of Music Nico Tjoelker. A festive reception will follow in Kyle’s Place.
Plan your visit
When you visit St. James Cathedral during Advent and Christmas, expect to receive a warm welcome! Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, a first-time visitor who is joining a friend, or fall somewhere in between, you're not just welcome, you belong.
It is not uncommon for people to either dress casually or formally when visiting the Cathedral. Our priority is that you to feel comfortable. Children are always welcome at St. James. There is an open space to the front right of the pews for children to play under your supervision and a changing station for parents of our youngest members under the church in the restrooms.
The cathedral is accessible to people with limited mobility. An access ramp is located at the west end of the building, 65 E. Huron St.
Map & Parking
We are conveniently located 2 blocks from the red line. Exit at Chicago Avenue, then south two blocks to the corner of Wabash and Huron.
We are one block west from the 3, 10, 26, 146, 147, and 151 bus lines on Michigan Avenue. Exit at Superior or Erie if southbound, exit at Huron if northbound.
Reduced-rate parking is available at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $15 up to 18 hours. Parking is also available at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $10 up to 18 hours daily. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.