December 8, 2015
OBU celebrated its 78th annual Hanging of the Green Christmas program Saturday, Dec. 5 in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. The program was titled “A Service of Lessons and Carols,” based on The Festival of Lessons and Carols, presented annually on Christmas Eve since 1918 in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, England. The service symbolizes the bond between the academic community and the city, the peace within the whole church, and the joy and worship of all Christians.
The first OBU Hanging of the Green ceremony was held in WMU Memorial Hall. After the singing of carols, representatives from all dormitories lit candles of good will from the candle there and carried the light to their own houses. The custom of Hanging of the Green has continued, though it moved in 1945 to the newly completed Brittain Hall Library, in 1957 to the University Auditorium, and in 1961 to Raley Chapel.
The performers for this year’s Hanging of the Green included the Bison Glee Club, University Chorale, University Ringers, OBU Brass Choir, Shawnee Honor Choir, OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra and Bisonette Glee Club. Twenty outstanding seniors were also recognized during the event.