On Sunday 3rd December, Brethren from across the District, along with their family and friends assembled together and filled The Holy Trinity Free Church in Oswaldtwistle, for a wonderful Carol Service.
The afternoon was opened by the District Secretary, WBro Brian Derbyshire PProvDepGDC who welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance, he also thanked the small but enthusiastic choir for supporting the singing.
The readers this year were made up from Lodge Membership Officers (LMO’s) with EComp Brian Carter PGStB, APGP who as always was being supported by Mrs Barbara Carter, reading the ninth and final lesson as the Principal reader.
On completion of the Lessons and Carols, the District Chairman WBro Dave McGurty PProvGSwdB thanked the congregation and Principal guests for their support, including the APGM WBro John Farrington PSGD, along with Mrs Christine Farrington. Thanks were also expressed to WBro Stephen Watson PProvSGD for his usual excellent accompaniments on the organ and to the Wardens and Ladies of the church and Rev’d Anthony for their support. He also expressed his delight at the wonderful turn out and asked all present to enjoy a hot drink and a mince pie before their departure.
The final thoughts were conducted by The Rev’d Don Johnson who delivered his message in his usual enthusiastic and amusing manner. He closed the Service with solemn prayers before a rousing chorus of ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ brought proceedings to a close.
A collection during the final Carol raised a total of £230 for the church funds.
Lesson Readers
East Ribble District
Lodge Membership Officers
Lesson 1. Bro Mark Clayton – 269
Lesson 2. WBro Malcolm Roe -345
Lesson 3. WBro Bruce Pollard PProvSGD – 369
Lesson 4. WBro Andrew Hindle PProvSGD – 3479
Lesson 5. WBro Steve Crowther PProvSGD – 4591
Lesson 6. WBro Antony Hindle ProvAGDC – 5205
Lesson 7. WBro Edwin Leach ProvGStwd – 5206
Lesson 8. WBro David Gill PProvSGD -8178
Lesson 9. EComp Brian Carter PGStB, APGP
Article and images: East Ribble District Team