Southwestern Candlelight Service keeps 100-year tradition alive

  • Reverend Dr. Ronald L Swain, at front in center aisle, leads a processional through the chapel lighted by candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Dr Swain is Southwestern’s Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. This was during the first of two services. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the service began in 1915 at the University. Photo by Andy Sharp.
    Reverend Dr. Ronald L Swain, at front in center aisle, leads a processional through the chapel lighted by candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Dr Swain is Southwestern’s Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. This was during the first of two services. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the service began in 1915 at the University. Photo by Andy Sharp.
  • Adeline Lake, 11, front, her mother Jennifer Lake and Adeline’s brother Andrew, 9, left, participate the the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Adeline Lake, 11, front, her mother Jennifer Lake and Adeline’s brother Andrew, 9, left, participate the the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • Adeline Lake, 11, her brother Andrew, 9, were joined by their parents, Ben and Jennifer Lake, as they participated the the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Adeline Lake, 11, her brother Andrew, 9, were joined by their parents, Ben and Jennifer Lake, as they participated the the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • Andrew Lake, 9, attends the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Andrew Lake, 9, attends the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • Zinnia Crenshaw, 9, attended the the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Zinnia Crenshaw, 9, attended the the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • Dr. Daniel Arredondo II directs the Southwestern Chorale during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Dr. Daniel Arredondo II directs the Southwestern Chorale during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • The chapel is darkened as candles are lighted during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    The chapel is darkened as candles are lighted during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • The chapel is adorned with candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    The chapel is adorned with candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • Attendants help light attendee’s candles during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. T
    Attendants help light attendee’s candles during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. T
  • Candles are lighted during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Candles are lighted during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
  • Adeline Lake, 11, participates in the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
    Adeline Lake, 11, participates in the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

    The Service of Lessons and Carols was held at Southwestern University's Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the candlelight service has been held at the university since 1915.

    Photos by Andy Sharp.

    Southwestern University
    Candlelight Service