×
×
homepage logo

Christmas Eve service set

By Staff | Dec 18, 2009

German Reformed Christmas Eve Tradition Lives on in Historic Shepherdstown Church

Christ Reformed Church, Shepherdstown, a congregation of the United Church of Christ whose German Reformed heritage dates from 1747, will celebrate Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. with the Harbaugh Christmas Service.

Taking its name from the Rev. Dr. Henry Harbaugh, noted theologian and writer of the German Reformed Church in the U.S., the service was originally arranged by Dr. Harbaugh for use in his parish in the Mercersburg-Wyanesboro area of nearby Franklin County, Pa., around 1834.

Telling the Nativity story with alternate spoken and chanted scripture, the service has become a Christmas tradition for many churches of German Reformed heritage.

Offered in a church adorned with seasonal greenery and candlelight, this festive service will include many carols and the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Soloist for the evening will be Marie Galperin, soprano, accompanied by organist, Mary Ann Morgan. The musical prelude begins at 5:45 p.m.

Christ Reformed Church is located at 304 E. German St. in Shepherdstown.