Hyderabad: The special service of nine lessons and carols in All Saints Church, Trimulgherry, was in tune with the evening’s theme ‘We celebrate the birth of the King of Kings through singing’.
Around 50 choristers rendered popular Christmas carols even as the winter chill added to the experience for the congregation.
This Anglican church, which was consecrated in 1860, was initially graced by the Army contingent stationed in the area. It features English, Tamil and Hindi services.
The main attraction in the earlier days was a grand pipe organ, that has since been removed. In their bid to continue the musical flavour, Sukanya James, choir master and organist, brought in a virtual pipe organ, whose technical keys match the musical tones of the original.
Uttam Nathaniel, a senior member of the church, said, “This is one of the oldest churches. We have a congregation of army officials and the general public. The services begin soon after the candles are lit. All worship protocols are followed in earnest.”
Sukanya James said, “I have been an organist here for around three decades. We mostly play western classical and the renditions are in four parts. In a remarkable irony, while the youngest in our contingent is an eight-year-old, the oldest is aged eighty years. We play dach, duets, anthems, descants and solos. It is pure western classical music.”
Dr D. Prasanna Kumar, presbytery in-charge, said, “The choir has been practicing for around three months. It was an amazing event. International marriages are performed in this gothic structure, which gives the feel of a European church.”
