Southwestern University Lights the Way

  • Rev. Dr. Ronald Swain, the school's chaplain, leads a recessional through the aisles during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Attendees gathered outside the chapel, singing "Silent Night" to conclude the service.
    Rev. Dr. Ronald Swain, the school's chaplain, leads a recessional through the aisles during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Attendees gathered outside the chapel, singing "Silent Night" to conclude the service.
  • Members of the Southwestern University Chorale sing during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Members of the Southwestern University Chorale sing during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Members of the Southwestern University Chorale sing during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Members of the Southwestern University Chorale sing during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Rev. Dr. Ronald Swain, Southwestern's Chaplain, begins to light candles of ushers, who then added candlelight to attendees during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Rev. Dr. Ronald Swain, Southwestern's Chaplain, begins to light candles of ushers, who then added candlelight to attendees during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • An usher helps light candles for attendees during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    An usher helps light candles for attendees during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Members of the Southwestern University Chorale lead attendees in the recessional at Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Members of the Southwestern University Chorale lead attendees in the recessional at Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Glenn Holzer, left, Sue Holzer, center, and Mike Cook, right, attended Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Glenn Holzer, left, Sue Holzer, center, and Mike Cook, right, attended Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Candles are lighted during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Candles are lighted during Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Sam and Rebecca Pfiester attend Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Sam and Rebecca Pfiester attend Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • 7-year-old Zinnia Crenshaw joins her family outside Lois Perkins Chapel to sing "Silent Night" at the conclusion of Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    7-year-old Zinnia Crenshaw joins her family outside Lois Perkins Chapel to sing "Silent Night" at the conclusion of Southwestern University's Candlelight Service at Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
  • Attendees gather outside Lois Perkins Chapel to join in the singing of "Silent Night" at the conclusion of Southwestern University's Candlelight Service on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
    Attendees gather outside Lois Perkins Chapel to join in the singing of "Silent Night" at the conclusion of Southwestern University's Candlelight Service on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

    Contact the Sun for high-quality photo reprints at ads@wilcosun.com or call 512-930-4824. The service began in 1915, then called the Christmas Carol Service.  Two services were held this evening.