Annual Christmas Eve Caroling in Basking Ridge to Return for 90th Year

Many current and former residents cite the annual Christmas Eve caroling in downtown Basking Ridge as one of the highlights of growing up in town. The sing has been held every year despite snow, cold, sleet, ice, fog or rain conditions — and this year the event is scheduled to be held for the 90th year, said Jim Felter, Sing Coordinator.   

This year’s caroling, accompanied by an all-volunteer brass choir, will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, on the Basking Ridge green by the holiday tree provided by the Basking Ridge Fire Co. The singing will be preceded by ringing of the church bells of The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge and Bishop Janes United Methodist churches. 

Everyone in the community is invited to gather around the green starting about 6:45 p.m. to pick up the song sheets and greet one another. The caroling is brief, so carolers are urged to be on time.

It is suggested that carolers bring a flashlight in order to read the song sheets. 

After a prelude by the brass ensemble under the direction of Greg Lane, Bill Corson of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will lead the singing of traditional carols accompanied by the brass choir.

Anyone interested in joining the brass ensemble should meet with Lane in Westminster Hall of The Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Anyone with questions should call Jim Felter at 908-221-0630.

Many Christmas Eve services planned before or after the sing

Felter said man of the local churches have Christmas Eve worship services planned before and after the sing, including:

·  Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church: 4:30 p.m. Young Children’s Service; 7:35 p.m. Family Service; 10 p.m. Candlelight Service

·  Bishop Janes United Methodist Church: 6:15 p.m. Children and Families Candlelight Service; 7:45 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service; 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

·  Church of Saint James; 4 p.m. Chapel; and also on Christmas Eve, 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and Midnight in the Church. Christmas Day: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon Mass

·  Covenant Chapel Reformed Episcopal Church: 5 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

The general committee for the Christmas Eve sing includes the Rev. Father Glenn Comandini, the Rev. Robert Cavin, the Rev. Don Feuerbach, the Rev. Ted Harvey, the Rev. Dennis Jones, the Rev. Robert A. Kuppler, the Rev. Greg Miller, the Rev. Rick Morley and the Rev. Nancy Conklin. 

A standing committee of support for the event includes: Bill Corson, Jennifer Curran, George Fricke, Sally and Ron Horan, Gregory Lane, Daniel Williamson, Wyman Wong, Dan Zugale and Felter.