Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Birmingham-Southern Alumni Choir returning for 2025 Lessons and Carols performance
Reading time: 2 minutes
The Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) Alumni Choir is coming together once again for its annual Service of Lessons and Carols with a touching theme: “Forward, Ever — Always.”
Since September, more than 70 Birmingham-Southern grads as well as former faculty and staff have been rehearsing weekly to prepare for the 89th performance. It will once again take place at the Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook.
BSC’s alumni choir has put on this service almost every year since 1930. The performances were considered a musical fixture in the Birmingham community, and some may have assumed the tradition would end after the college closed May 2024 — but Birmingham-Southern has proven it can persevere through hard times.
Last year, the choir also performed the Service of Lessons and Carols, conducted by Dr. James Bagwell, a member of the BSC class of 1988. The Bard College professor and Corner, AL, native will conduct this year’s performance as well.
Dr. Thomas C. Head from the class of 1985 has been the rehearsal conductor since 2024, accompanied by 1981 graduate Richard Charles Phillips.
Scripture lessons will be read by Jennifer Howard Waters ’85, John Lemley ’90, Laura Sisson ’79 and former BSC track and field coach Kenneth Cox.
Don’t fret if you can’t make it! As an added bonus, Alabama Public Television will air the full performance right before Christmas on Monday, Dec. 22 at 8PM.
Whether you love the classics like “White Christmas” and “Holy Night” or more modern styles, this service’s mixture of traditional and new carol settings will bring something for everyone.
When: Friday, Dec. 5 at 7PM
Where: 350 Overbrook Rd, Mountain Brook
Cost: FREE
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