It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Ouachita campus. As the multi-colored lights, the huge strands of garland and the Christmas trees go up around OBU, several Christmas traditions are rallying support and good cheer as the beginning of December arrives.
The first of many of these Christmas traditions will be the annual Christmas Tree Lighting near the Flag Plaza this evening. According to Dr. Nancy Hardman, Edna and Freda Linn Professor of Communication Sciences and Pre-Medical Studies, this Christmas tradition began many years ago when the campus placed a Christmas tree in front of Berry Bible Building.
Her second daughter, while a student at Ouachita, took responsibility for the program under the leadership of the communication disorders majors.
“She said she wanted to start a tradition with the Speechies, so it’s been since 2010 that they have been involved,” Hardman said.
The ‘Speechies’ usually conduct some sort of community service in each semester.
“This time they are trying to push for people to bring a pre-school book so we can give them to a local Head Start,” Hardman said.
In the past, previous projects have included a canned-food drive, spring events like Kindergarten Round-Up at the local Perritt Primary School, Operation Christmas Child and “Light It Up Blue” in recognition of autism awareness.
Hardman noted that the tree is usually cut from behind her house, and facilities management decorates. Over the years, there have been over 3,000 lights on the tree at a single time.
The lighting will take place tonight after Refuge and Festival of Christmas dress rehearsal. There will be hot chocolate served by the Speechies, and this event is free and open to the public.
Another long-standing Christmas tradition here at Ouachita is Lessons and Carols. According to Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of fine arts, this tradition originated in England and has been passed down the generations through the Anglican Church.
“The basic concept lies in the reciting of nine passages of scripture that announce the birth of Christ to John, ‘the word became flesh’ type verses,” Gerber said. “In between each scripture is a musical lesson, typically of the Christmas carol tradition.”
“To make it Ouachita’s, we ask different schools to represent that year’s speakers,” Gerber said. He went on to note that a representative of each class is chosen, as well as several members of administration, faculty and staff.
In between these lessons, there are congregationalstyle carols that will be led by the Women’s Chorus and Ouachita Singers. In addition, the Handbell Ringers will be participating along with accompaniment on the organ from Dr. Adam Haas, visiting assistant professor of music.
“One unique thing that I’ve seen is its contrast to Festival of Christmas. While that one is more secular, this one is more of a worship-style, traditional service,” Gerber said.
This will be held in McBeth Recital Hall on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
By Julie Williams, Copy Editor
