A TRADITION RETURNS: LESSONS & CAROLS IN KINDERHOOK

The 12^th celebration of Lessons and Carols in Kinderhook begins at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 17^th, at the Kinderhook Reformed Church, 21 Broad Street (US Route 9), Kinderhook, NY 12106.
 
This event has proven very popular throughout the region, drawing attendees from the Capital District, the Berkshires, and Dutchess and Greene Counties, in addition to Columbia County. Included are readings, congregational singing, and choral and organ music of the Christmas season. Lessons & Carols in Kinderhook has been held annually since 2010, except for 2020-22 when restricted by the Covid pandemic. Typically more than 250 gather for this occasion, and this year much enthusiasm already surrounds its return.
 
Nine readers from throughout the larger community will be joined by a choir of nearly thirty experienced singers under the musical direction of David Smith. Pastor Rudy Visser will preside. Arrival by 3:45 p.m. is recommended, when the preludes to this year’s Celebration of Lessons & Carols will begin. Throughout the service all will be invited to sing traditional hymns and carols. Choral offerings will include works from the 17^th through the 20^th  centuries, by Rutter, Vaughan Williams, Ord, Willcocks and others. Among this year’s organ preludes are works of Daquin, Brahms, Reger and Dupré. The postlude will be the mighty Fantasy in G major of J. S. Bach.
 
David Smith notes that Lessons & Carols in Kinderhook is “open to all, regardless of faith or denomination. Although its format is based upon that used at King’s College in Cambridge, England, it has been appropriately adapted for use in Kinderhook. Once again, but certainly with its return this year, this special gathering seems just the thing for a late afternoon in the Christmas season!”
 
Pastor Rudolph Visser observes that "The Kinderhook Reformed Church has been serving the community for over three centuries. Now with boldness we enjoy a fourth century in the life of this historic church. We pray that our Lessons and Carols will once again be a blessing for all in the community and, never more important than at present, bring joy and peace to many.”


The church is handicapped accessible, with parking available.  For further information please visit www.kinderhookreformedchurch.com or www.concertsinthevillage.org, or call 518-758-6401.