Anglican Roots Persist in a Changing Religious Landscape
At the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Lessons and Carols remains a central tradition, preserving the school’s Anglican identity. Though Episcopalians make up only 20% of the student body, the beloved Advent service draws people from all faith backgrounds. The university’s three annual services, scheduled for December 6 and 7, will host over 3,000 attendees. Many say the ritual creates a peaceful, grounding experience amid the pressures of final exams and the holidays.
Students Find Comfort and Community Through Music
Sixty choir members, including students of various religious backgrounds, prepare weekly for the event. Hattie Robbins, an Episcopalian senior and choir vice president, describes Lessons and Carols as a time of calm amid chaos. Blake Burgiss, a Missouri Synod Lutheran and tenor section leader, said the music helps him connect more deeply with Scripture. Both students view the service as spiritually meaningful, regardless of denomination.
A Service Rooted in History and Ritual
The Lessons and Carols format dates back to 1880, when it was first created by Bishop Edward White Benson in England. Sewanee adopted the tradition in 1960, holding its version of the Anglican service during Advent. The structure includes nine Scripture readings, along with hymns and choral anthems. Differences in prayers and readings distinguish the Advent version from its Christmas counterpart, but both maintain a meditative tone.
Supporters Highlight Faith Formation and Reflection
Organist and choirmaster Geoffrey Harris Ward emphasizes the service’s educational and spiritual depth. He sees the interplay of music and Scripture as key to helping students reflect on their faith journeys. Dean Chris Epperson adds that the service offers a rare moment of stillness before the “bedlam of Christmas.”
Critics Question Exclusivity, But Many Celebrate Inclusion
While the Episcopal roots of the service are strong, some question whether such traditions feel fully inclusive in a religiously diverse setting. However, students and faculty argue that the emphasis on peace and community allows all participants to find meaning. The service, they say, is less about doctrine and more about shared experience and spiritual reflection.
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At Sewanee, Lessons and Carols services ground choral students in faith
Image: Pamela Reynoso
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