THERE was a large congregation, including members of young people’s organisations in Holsworthy Parish Church, last Sunday evening, December 6, for the annual parish carol service, writes Christine Williams.

The service was led by Father Christopher Penn, assisted by the Rev Martyn Keenan, of the Methodist Church, who led the offertory prayers.

The readings and lessons were read by the Portreeve, a district councillor, the Pretty Maid and representatives of organisations and churches in the town and included a reading from ‘Pickwick Papers’ by Gill Cornish in memory of her husband Charles.

The augmented choir, conducted by Pat Miller, sang three carols, ‘Gabriel’s Message’, ‘Angel’s Carol’ and ‘Torches’, and the descant to two others.

Holsworthy Town Band, conducted by Derek Kidby, accompanied some of the congregational carols and played two interludes of seasonal music.

The organist was Denzil Blackman.

After the service the congregation were invited to stay for coffee and mince-pies. The collection was shared between Holsworthy Town Band and the parish church.

This Sunday, December 13, at 4pm, there will be a Christingle service in the church and the following Sunday, December 20, at 6pm, it will be the turn of Bodmin St Methodist Church to hold a carol service.