Each year at the beginning of December, the Shirley Meeting House opens its doors to the community for Candlelight Vespers, a special program known familiarly as “Vespers.” The program is in the traditional form of lessons and carols, with the addition of stories that exemplify the holiday season and music that includes both secular and sacred pieces. A theme is chosen each year, this year’s being “Candlelight Vespers - A Joyeux Noël!”

Vespers began in 2004 when the Board of the Meeting House was asked to create a holiday program in the Meeting House to thank the community for their support throughout the year. Because there was no heat in the building, the programs usually ran from late spring to early autumn, after which the main room became too cold for any kind of performance.

To offer a December program, the “no heat” obstacle had to be overcome. Enter Shirley Fuel and Gas and owner James Quinty. Early in the morning on our first program, and for a number of subsequent years, Jim would arrive, set up a heater outside the building, and blow the heat in through the front window. When we advertised the programs in local papers we would invite the community into “the warmth of the Shirley Meeting House” so those planning to attend would know we were heating the building for the event. This method was eventually retired when a furnace was installed.

The programs always include a chorus, the members coming from Shirley and surrounding towns. To prepare the chorus, we hire a professional pianist and a conductor, who not only conducts the music but also teaches the singers technique and how to tell the story of the song. In addition to these musicians, we are fortunate to have many local storytellers and musicians who share their gifts as part of the program.

Vespers is more than just a concert; it’s a community gathering for all to enjoy. After the program concludes, we all gather at the Center Town Hall for refreshments and conversation with family and friends. When you enter the building, you can feel the laughter and joy of everyone there.

Regular Vespers attendees say that each year they look forward to the program because it sets the mood for the rest of the their holiday season. On that note, we invite you to set aside the hustle and bustle of holiday season and join us in The Shirley Meeting House on Sunday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. for Candlelight Vespers: A Joyeux Noël!  Come and listen to our stories, poems and songs, and take time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season: the joy, peace and hope it offers us all. There is no charge for admission, but the Shirley Meeting House appreciates any donations. Please visit our website at www.shirleymeetinghouse.org for more information.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Shirley Cultural Council,  a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and by a grant from the Shirley Charitable Foundation.