Tobacco Pipe Makers' Carol Service
11th December 2018It's the most wonderful time of the year!... and, as is traditionally the case, the Tobacco Pipe Makers celebrated together with a Carol Service lead by our Honorary Chaplain, The Reverend Canon David Parrott, at St Lawrence Jewry in Guildhall Yard. With David's blessing, Past Master Mark Gower-Smith arranged a beautiful Order of Service that was delivered with the support of The Sevenoaks School Choir conducted by Michael Heighway and the much sought after organist, Catherine Ennis.
The Sevenoaks Choir sang outstanding hymns including a medieval Spanish villancico, 'Ríu, Ríu, Chíu' which was a real treat. The congregation was invited to sing traditional carols - Once in royal David's city, The holly and the ivy, The first Nowell and a hearty Hark! the herald angels sing. I am pleased to report that the Tobacco Pipe Makers were in good voice, doing justice to the magnificent setting of the church and the organ playing.
The Honorary Chaplain made his address on the importance of names and how we know one another by having them. Referring to an earlier reading of St John as he unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation, he taught us that Word was God and that the Word also refers to Jesus Christ in the verses. In making his point, David played with his own surname, Parrott, and showed us the many gifts that he had received over the years representing parrots including a fine parrot hat. One young member of the congregation got somewhat confused and thought it more resembled a duck much to the chagrin of the Honorary Chaplain. But the spat ended well, as it should at this time of peace and good will to all men (and children...).
With the Carol Service over, the congregation stayed for a time to enjoy each others' company along with a glass of wine and mince pies before dispersing into the crisp December night. Once things had been tidied at the church, the remaining Court members bade farewell and Christmas good wishes to the church staff and the Honorary Chaplain who will forever more be known as Duckie!