South Yorkshire Times, January 5th 1952
In Darkened Church
Save for the altar lights, illuminated Christmas tree, candles and crib, Conisbrough Parish Church was in darkness for the opening of a carol service on Sunday night.
Sitting in the darkened church, the congregation heard the carol “Holy Night, Silent Night” sung by the choir concealed in the porch, and then saw a procession, with candies, Book and Cross, move to the middle of the church, the choirboys were carrying stable lanterns, borrowed for the occasion from a farm at Hooton Roberts.
The Vicar (the Rev. G. F. Braithwaite) read the Christmas gospel from the middle of the nave, and the lights were then put on. The processional hymn was announced and during this the choir marched up the two aisles in separate streams, converged at the chancel steps, fell in behind the Cross-bearer and went to their places. The service consisted of the story of Christmas with readings, canticles, carols and prayers.
At the end of the service the choir went down the nave and into the porch, the lights were again turned off and the choir sang “Away in a Manger.”