The annual Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service at Old Bethel will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the historic landmark near the Shenandoah River in Clarke County.

     The church building marks the spot of one of the oldest religious structures west of the Blue Ridge mountains. Originally a Quaker meeting house, it was later used by a Baptist Church until 1920. The brick building was built before the Civil War.

     "[The service is] exactly like it was 100 years ago," said Ian Williams, head of the Old Bethel board of trustees, "No water, no electricity and no heat."

     Candlelight is the illumination for the evening and the church is decorated only with seasonal greenery.

     The service, which lasts about 30 minutes, features laymen reading passages from the Bible pertaining to the Christmas story, interspersed with carols sung by the congregation.

     Ronald Hottle will provide accompaniment on the organ.

     Additional music will be presented by the Sixth Dimension Handbell Ensemble, and soloist Nicole Davis.

     Anne Manson, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Millwood and Boyce, will also participate in the service, Williams said.

     The public is invited to attend, and flashlights are wise accessory for walking to the parking areas after dark, he added.

     The church is on Bethel Lane, off Swift Shoals Road in the southeast corner of the county. For information, call Williams at 540-667-1266.

--Contact Val Van Meter at vvanmeter@winchesterstar.com