Candlelighting 2020: The purpose remained

The 93rd Candlelighting ceremony was held on November 15. The annual event is Eaglebrook’s oldest and most cherished traditions. Although the circumstances were different this year, the purpose of bringing the light into the darkness remained. 
 
The ceremony is typically held in the Gibbs Dining Hall, however, in order to allow for the community to be together, the event was moved outside to the Gates Quad. The campus was dark with the tree next to the pond and the surrounding border of the pond aglow with light. Students were organized on the Gates Quad by dorm. Candlelighting is normally held the day before Winter Break, however, since students will be participating in classes remotely between Thanksgiving and Winter Break, the event was held a few days before students left for Thanksgiving Break. Although it was a chilly and rainy evening outside, the event still allowed the entire school community to embrace each other and bring light into the darkness. 
 
The ceremony took place at 5:30 p.m. Instead of enjoying a turkey dinner before the ceremony as is typical, students and faculty headed to their assigned meal locations for the always popular meal after the ceremony. 
 
Mr. Andrew Chase, Head of School, spoke about the tradition of Candlelighting. When he said the words, “As one light lights another, nor grows less, so nobleness enkindles nobleness,” everyone on the quad began listing to the Jazz Band perform Adeste Fideles and all Sixth Form students moved to the front to retrieve their candles. As they made their way back to their spots, the other students’ and faculty candles received their candles and the quad began to fill with light.
 
The chimes rang loud and then Ms. Rachel Blain concluded the ceremony with the benediction before students headed inside. It was a truly magical evening and a unique ceremony the school community will never forget. 
 
Watch the Candlelighting ceremony here.