Carol Service 2021
Due to ongoing risks associated with the spread of COVID-19, we made the decision to pre-record our Service rather than encourage a large congregation.
The service was filmed in the Royal Dockyard Church on Wednesday 15 December 2021. The service is sung by the Rochester Cathedral Voluntary Choir with music by Jubilate Brass and led by the Reverend Canon Dr Gordon Giles, Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Carol: Once in royal David’s city
The Bidding Prayer
Jubilate Brass: Sheep may safely graze ~ J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
The First Lesson: Genesis 3.8-15 read by Mrs Jess Hopkins, Estates Manager, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Carol: God rest you merry, gentlemen
The Second Lesson: Genesis 22.15-18 read by Miss Olivia Horner, Head of Visitor Enterprises, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Choir: This is the truth sent from above – Vaughan-Williams (1872-1958)
The Third Lesson: Isaiah 9.2, 6-7 read by Miss Chloe Wilson, Visitor Enterprises Sales Manager, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Carol: It came upon the midnight clear,
Fourth Reading: Micah 5.2-5 Read By: Mr Nigel Howard, Director of The Historic Environment and Buildings, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Jubilate Brass: The Christmas Song ~ Mel Torme and Robert Wells
The Fifth Lesson: Luke 1.26-38 read by Miss Anna Marie Idle, Visitor Enterprises Hospitality Manager, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Carol: O little town of Bethlehem
The Sixth Lesson: Matthew 1.18-23 read by Mr Richard Morsley, Chief Executive, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Choir: All this time – William Walton (1902-1983)
The Seventh Lesson: Luke 2.8-16 read by Mr Paul Barnard, Chief Operating Officer, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Carol: While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
Choir: Sing lullaby – Richard Shephard (1949-2021)
The Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2.1-11 read by Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE DL, Chairman, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Jubilate Brass: Carol Fantasy ~ John Iveson
Carol: Hark! the herald angels sing
The Ninth Lesson: John 1.1-14 read by the Reverend Canon Dr Gordon Giles, Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral
Christmas Address by the Reverend Canon Dr Gordon Giles, Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral
Carol: O come, all ye faithful,
The Blessing
Download full order of service
Traditionally at the end of the service is there is a retiring collection in aid of the ongoing preservation of our historic ships. Should you wish to make a donation, you can do so via our donations portal.
