Boys' School Carol Service

The high, clear voices of brothers, Charles and Oliver Jones soared across the congregation as they sang the opening verse of Once in Royal David’s City at this year’s Carol Service, held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. 

An annual feature of the Boys’ School service, this is always a moving start to an evening that brings the Saint Kentigern community together to celebrate as a family, give thanks for the year, to rejoice in the joy of Christmas and to farewell the boys in Year 8 as they prepare to move on to their next stage in life.

The Reverend Sarah Stevens, assistant priest at the Cathedral, spoke kind words of welcome saying that the Cathedral community especially welcomed school families to the cathedral to experience afresh the joy, peace and love of this special time of year. The cathedral was full to bursting with Saint Kentigern families of all ages.

Chaplain to the Schools, the Reverend Reuben Hardie, once again delivered a service that had appeal for all age groups. He asked the congregation, ‘What gets you in the mood for Christmas?’ He quite rightly said that for many people, the singing of carols helps them to find their Christmas Spirit. We were fortunate to have a special guest join us to lend his voice to the choir. Tim Beveridge is a well-known star of the New Zealand musical stage, having been one of the youngest performers to play the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. Tim joined the Performers’ Choir to sing The Christmas Song and later to sing Silent Night.

Along with the Performers’ Choir, the School Staff came forward to sing a specially written version of ‘Deck the Halls.’ The cuteness factor for the evening was evenly split between the Preschoolers who sang ‘Watching and Waiting’ and the Junior School, who sang ‘Christmas has Started.’

When Reverend Hardie asked the boys what their favourite part of Christmas is, it was inevitable that the conversation would turn to presents. He asked them ‘Have you ever wondered what the ultimate gift is?’ He said that you could argue that the ultimate gift is the biggest, the most expensive or one that is unique to you. Joseph and Mary were given Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh by the Wise Men, but to them the ultimate gift was the gift of life. Reverend Hardie said, ‘I want to suggest that the ultimate gift this December is not going to be wrapped up in a box - it is going to be wrapped up in the ability you have to make a difference.’

To finish the service, the Year 8 boys came forward to light a candle whilst the Performers’ Choir sang the Jubilee Blessing. Reverend Hardie told the boys, ‘We are proud of you, go forward with confidence and humility, may you know God’s love all around you, God’s peace in your heart, God’s wisdom to guide you and God’s strength for each day.’