Conisboro’ Parish Church – Christmas and New Year Services

January 1885

Conisboro’ Parish Church.

There were services held in this church at 8 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. On Christmas Day, all of which were fairly well attended, the congregation at the evening service numbering the most.

The church was as usual most tastefully decorated. The altar, screen, pulpit lectern, and font all were beautifully adored with evergreens, moss and flowers. The text on the screen was ‘ Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ,’ and over the Communion Table, ‘The Word was made flesh.’ The windows and pillars also received some decoration suitable to the festival.

The following ladies and gentlemen kindly assisted: Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Hills, Miss Simpson, the Misses Burnett, Mr. J. W. Fowler, Mr. Boulton, Mr. Pearson, Sunday school children, and others.

The services were well rendered by the choir. The morning service commenced with the Christmas Hymn, which was sung as a professional. The proper Psalms were sung and congregational chants. The Vicar preached a short but earnest sermon. There was a celebration of Holy. Communion after this service.

The evening service commenced 6.30, when the last three verses of ‘Christians, awake.’ were sung as the processional hymn. The Vicar again occupied the pulpit. After the sermon the choir sung four Christmas carols, with great taste. The services on Sunday were well attended, especially the evening, when the service was fully choral. The rendering of the anthem, ‘Behold, I bring you glad tidings,’ is worthy of mention. The Magnificat was sung to Wesley’s chant services. The hymns also were suitable for the season.

On New Year’s Eve there was a full choral service held at 7 p.m., when the Vicar gave an earnest address.