
The Mercersburg Christmas Candlelight Service is a cherished holiday tradition that unites the school community in the beautifully illuminated Irvine Memorial Chapel. This year’s service will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, with two sessions at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, making it a must-see event for students and the greater Mercersburg community.
Attendees will enjoy performances from student musical groups, including the String Ensemble led by Michael Cameron, the Chorale directed by Ben Demerath, and the Chapel Choir conducted by James Brinson. School Minister Will Whitmore will also read Bible passages and invite students to share readings.
Preparation for the service includes the beloved "Greening of the Chapel." On the Friday night before the service, community members decorate the chapel with live greenery, like wreaths and garlands. Sisi Guo ‘25, a chapel greening participant, shared, "It was a lot of fun, and the decorating was enjoyable. The entire chapel smelled amazing from the wreaths, and everyone was excited to help."
The service opens with Whitmore reading a passage from the Bible. Throughout the event, student volunteers also share scripture readings drawing from a range of traditions. Max Friedman '25 expressed his anticipation, saying, "This is my first time speaking in a candlelight service, but I am excited to speak. I am also a little nervous because I have yet to pick my passage."
Three student performance groups will take the stage this year. The Mercersburg Chorale will perform nine selections, including carols and classic holiday tunes, with contributions from acapella groups Octet and Magalia. Octet member Mikahel Martínez-Arocho ‘25 says, "We have two special songs this year—one a cappella and the other a holiday medley. It’s more challenging than previous years when we only prepared one piece."
The Chapel Choir, directed by James Brinson, has been rehearsing diligently throughout the fall term. "We are performing one song but have been practicing every week since the fall," said Maggie Coors '25. Brinson will also play “Silent Night” on the carillon, its bells projecting sound throughout the entire chapel, reverberating against the hills in the cold night air.
The String Ensemble, featuring violinists, cellists, and violists, will perform several pieces. Cellist Thomas Zhu '26 says, "We are playing about five pieces. Practice started later this year, so we've worked intensely to prepare. Candlelight day is very packed—we begin rehearsing at 2 p.m. and finish after the final service at 7:30 p.m. But it’s fun, and we get lots of good food."
Daniel Liu '25 commented on the event's unique character, saying, "Candlelight, unlike most other arts performances, combines the choir and the strings ensemble, creating a unique atmosphere. The chapel's acoustics add a special theatrical element that makes the experience unforgettable."
From chapel ushers to performers and readers, the Mercersburg Christmas Candlelight Service showcases the school community’s unity and spirit during the holiday season. For those unable to attend, the service will also be live-streamed on the Mercersburg website.