Hillsdale College Holds First Christian Choral Evensong Service of the Academic Year
The service took place in Christ Chapel with newly formed Chapel Choir
Hillsdale, Mich. — Hillsdale College faculty and staff, students, friends of the College, and the surrounding community joined together in Christ Chapel for the first Choral Evensong service of the 2021-2022 academic year on Sept. 19. The service featured the newly formed Chapel Choir and its director, Timothy McDonnell. Rev. Adam Rick, Hillsdale College chaplain, officiated.
“This was a great way to focus our hearts and minds after the first few hectic weeks of the semester and give thanks for God’s abundant blessings,” said Rick. “I am excited to hear the wonderful music that Dr. McDonnell will continue to draw out of our talented students.”
McDonnell joined Hillsdale College faculty this year as Chapel Choir director, a new position that the College created to shepherd and expand its sacred Christian music endeavors. The College currently aims to raise $4 million for scholarships to help to support participating students.
The Chapel Choir sang “Prayer to Jesus” by George Oldroyd and Ralph Vaughan Williams’s arrangement of the Nunc Dimittis, among others at the service. There will be several Choral Evensong services throughout the academic year.
Choral Evensong is a centuries-old Christian service that features scripture, choral anthems, and prayers. This first service took place during the College’s first Center for Constructive Alternatives (CCA) event of the year, and many CCA visitors attended.
Find photos of the event here.