November 12, 2025 – The Hendrix College Choir and the Methodist Foundation for
Arkansas present the 2025 Candlelight Carol Service, Dec. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. and
Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. in Hendrix’s Greene Chapel and (building 13 on the current campus map). In addition, two tour services will
take place, Dec. 17 in Russellville at First United Methodist Church and Dec. 18
at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, both at 7:30 p.m.
While there is no admission charge, reservations
are required for the on-campus services because of limited seating capacity. Seats
may be reserved online at www.hendrix.edu/candlelight
beginning Monday, Nov. 24, at 9 a.m. The Choir’s tour services do not require
reservations.
For those who cannot attend a Candlelight
Carol Service in person, the services on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 will
be streamed live from Greene Chapel at www.hendrix.edu/candlelight.
The Hendrix College Choir’s Candlelight
Carol Service has long marked the start of the holiday season for many in
Arkansas and the broader Hendrix community. The 2025 Candlelight Carol Service
continues this beloved tradition spanning more than six decades, offering both
familiar and new music for the holiday season.
The Candlelight Carol Service at Hendrix
shares many features with the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols celebrated
each Christmas Eve since 1918 at King’s College in Cambridge, England. The scripture
lessons, taken from Old and New Testaments, weave a narrative from Adam’s fall
into sin, through the prophecies of Christ’s coming, and culminating in
Christ’s birth. The carols performed between the lessons change yearly, and
offer opportunities for reflection, exultation, and celebration. A vibrant
tradition, the Candlelight Carol Service includes familiar hymns, music that
spans several centuries, and pieces by living composers. This year’s program
includes the world premiere of Gloria in Excelsis Deo by
Maxwell Kaye.
This year’s services are sponsored by a
gift from the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas.
“As a
Hendrix alumnus and former member of the College’s staff, the Candlelight
Carol service has held a deeply meaningful place in my heart for more than
four decades,” said the Rev. J. Wayne Clark, President and
CEO of the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas and a 1984 alumnus of the College. “This
cherished tradition reflects the enduring and historic relationship between the
United Methodist Church and Hendrix College. Now, in my capacity with the
Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, I am honored that the Foundation can join
Hendrix in partnership for this sacred and inspiring occasion.”
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose