Posted: 7:13 PM - Dec 22, 2008
From The Winchester Star dated Monday 22 December 2008.
Millwood -- Condensation began to form on the windowpanes at Old Bethel Church as candles surrounded by evergreen branches glowed on the sills.
Candles also lit each speaker who read Bible verses, including the story of Jesus birth, on the Sunday before the Christian world marks Christmas.
The annual holiday service held Sunday evening at the Millwood church harkened back to an earlier era, one in which people worshipped without the benefit of electric lights or piped-in heat.
According to Ian Williams, president of the churchs Board of Trustees, almost 300 people gathered Sunday to celebrate the holiday in the 1833 church, which began life as a Baptist church built on land that once hosted a Quaker meeting.
They turned out on a chilly night, even though the church boasts no modern amenities.
We have this enormous crowd every year, said the Rev. Anne Manson, rector of Cunningham Chapel Parish in Millwood.
The Episcopal parish has one active church, Christ Episcopal Church in Millwood, and also oversees Old Bethel, which is used only for special occasions, she said.
The annual Christmas service has gained about 30 attendees every year for the past 10 years, Williams said, noting that one recent year saw repairs being performed at Old Bethel, so the service was held at the Christ Episcopal Church.
Mike Stryker, 48, of Winchester, said he and his family wife Sally, 50; daughter Julie, 17; and son Chris, 19 have come to the service for several years. They love watching the sun set and evening fall as the candlelight service progresses, he said.
Its also good to sing the great Christmas carols, Stryker said.
The congregation on Sunday sang carols including O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, Silent Night, Holy Night, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Solo honors on O Holy Night went to Jordan Markwood, whose single voice reverberated throughout the church.
Tinkling tones also rang out in carols such as Do You Hear What I Hear? and Angels We Have Heard on High, courtesy of The 6th Dimension Handbell Ensemble.
Candles cast a warm glow in the church during Silent Night, then Thomas Gilpin of Clarke County read the story of the three wise men who delivered gifts to the infant Jesus.
Toward the end of the service, Williams offered a benediction that, among other things, asked the Lord for peace, both for this night and forevermore.
Carole Judy, 43, of Winchester, said she has attended the Old Bethel Christmas service for several years. Its enjoyable, she said. Its beautiful.
It certainly doesnt look any prettier than it does tonight, Williams added.
As people left the church and stepped into the night, some used flashlights to find their way across the otherwise unlit grounds.
Others hugged friends, chatted, and headed back to their cars, ready to celebrate a 21st-century Christmas after taking a short trip back in time.
By Stephanie M. Mangino
The Winchester Star
The Winchester Star
 Despite Sunday's chill, about 300 turned out at Old Bethel Church in Millwood. (Photo by Rick Foster) |
Candles also lit each speaker who read Bible verses, including the story of Jesus birth, on the Sunday before the Christian world marks Christmas.
The annual holiday service held Sunday evening at the Millwood church harkened back to an earlier era, one in which people worshipped without the benefit of electric lights or piped-in heat.
According to Ian Williams, president of the churchs Board of Trustees, almost 300 people gathered Sunday to celebrate the holiday in the 1833 church, which began life as a Baptist church built on land that once hosted a Quaker meeting.
They turned out on a chilly night, even though the church boasts no modern amenities.
We have this enormous crowd every year, said the Rev. Anne Manson, rector of Cunningham Chapel Parish in Millwood.
 |
| During Sunday evening's Christmas service at Old Bethel Church in Millwood, Peter Cook read from the Old Testament. (Photos by Rick Foster) |
The annual Christmas service has gained about 30 attendees every year for the past 10 years, Williams said, noting that one recent year saw repairs being performed at Old Bethel, so the service was held at the Christ Episcopal Church.
Mike Stryker, 48, of Winchester, said he and his family wife Sally, 50; daughter Julie, 17; and son Chris, 19 have come to the service for several years. They love watching the sun set and evening fall as the candlelight service progresses, he said.
Its also good to sing the great Christmas carols, Stryker said.
The congregation on Sunday sang carols including O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, Silent Night, Holy Night, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Solo honors on O Holy Night went to Jordan Markwood, whose single voice reverberated throughout the church.
 |
| Susan Davis (center) and other members of The 6th Dimension Handbell Ensemble were dressed for the chill as they performed before and during Sunday evening's service at Old Bethel Church. |
Candles cast a warm glow in the church during Silent Night, then Thomas Gilpin of Clarke County read the story of the three wise men who delivered gifts to the infant Jesus.
Toward the end of the service, Williams offered a benediction that, among other things, asked the Lord for peace, both for this night and forevermore.
Carole Judy, 43, of Winchester, said she has attended the Old Bethel Christmas service for several years. Its enjoyable, she said. Its beautiful.
It certainly doesnt look any prettier than it does tonight, Williams added.
As people left the church and stepped into the night, some used flashlights to find their way across the otherwise unlit grounds.
Others hugged friends, chatted, and headed back to their cars, ready to celebrate a 21st-century Christmas after taking a short trip back in time.
-- Contact Stephanie M. Mangino at
smangino@winchesterstar.com