11/23/2011 - Christmas Tea and Vespers to be held at Judson College

Judson College will inaugurate its annual Christmas celebration on December 3. The celebration begins with Christmas Tea in the Gladys Hale Dunkin Parlors of Jewett Hall.

Judson’s student led Social Committee is responsible for decorating the parlors for this event each year. “I’m a little nervous because it’s my first year heading up everything, but I have a great group of girls to work with," said committee chair Dominique Seldon. 

Each year, the committee decides on a specific theme for decorations and the parlor doors remain closed until the afternoon of the tea to keep the theme a surprise.  Decorating begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving and usually takes four to five days. 

Students dress in formal attire for the tea, and bring their families to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. 

Junior Miriam Hart said, "I enjoy the fellowship with my family and friend’s families, the Christmas atmosphere and of course, drinking Judson’s favorite winter drink: wassail.”

Afterwards, students, families and guests gather in Alumnae Auditorium for the annual Vespers service led by Judson’s music department.  The Judson Singers, FAITH ensemble and Judson Ringers will perform a variety of music this year.

 “I’m excited about all of the music because of the different qualities it brings to the service, such as unusual selections that tell a story, pieces with foreign languages, songs that demonstrate beloved standards of choral literature and pieces with high emotion,”  said choral director Dr. Judy Ransom .

Vespers will feature many soloists from inside and outside the ensembles, as well as guest scripture readers.  Graduating seniors in the choir will sing a special arrangement and receive recognition from Judson’s president, Dr. David Potts, during this service.

For many students, Vespers is the best part of the day’s events. “I love the hand bells and hearing [the ensembles] sing.”  Seldon said.

Christmas Tea will be hosted from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Guests will be most welcome in Sunday dress; semi-formal/formal attire for current Judson students.

The public is welcomed to Christmas Vespers, a free event, in Alumnae Auditorium at 6:00pm. 

Open house for families and friends in the Judson dorms.

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