A Brief History of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Chapel of the Transfiguration: Tradition, Faith, and the Light of Christ

"Et Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis"—"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). This sacred proclamation, heralding the Incarnation, embodies the spirit of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols celebrated at the Chapel of the Transfiguration, S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. It is a profound testament to the interplay of faith, tradition, and devotion, where Scripture, song, and prayer converge to awaken hearts and illumine the path toward the Nativity of our Lord.

Founded in 1851 by the Right Reverend James Chapman, the first Anglican Bishop of Colombo, S. Thomas’ College followed in the distinguished tradition of Eton College, Windsor, where Chapman had studied and served. However, less commonly known is the College’s historical bond with King’s College, Cambridge, where Bishop Chapman had been a King’s Scholar. This connection became spiritually significant when Roy Henry Bowyer-Yin, who shared ties with King’s College, brought the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to life at S. Thomas’, weaving into the fabric of the College a rich and sacred tradition.

Father Bowyer-Yin, who trained at Cuddesdon and later served as Assistant Chaplain at King’s, assumed the Chaplaincy at S. Thomas’ on Boxing Day 1946, at the invitation of Bishop Cecil D. Horsley. With reverence and vision, Father Yin sought to cultivate and elevate the choral tradition fostered by predecessors such as Fr. T. W. Gilbert and R. B. W. Jayasekera.

His first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, introduced in December 1947, closely adhered to the King’s College model, established in 1918 by Dean Eric Milner-White. The Dean’s Bidding Prayer, steeped in theological wisdom, continues to open the service, inviting all to "pray for all Christian people, that by this festival they may be renewed in the joy of the Incarnation."

Father Yin, mindful of maintaining the sacredness of worship, once wrote: “It is good to record that there was a real atmosphere of devotion and at no time was there any feeling that the service was degenerating into a concert or recital, which is the ever-present danger of such a service.” His words echo St. Paul’s exhortation to "let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40), a reminder that this sacred service transcends mere performance.

The tradition, nourished and expanded over the years, flourished under the direction of notable stewards. After Father Yin’s departure in 1962, Russel Bartholomeusz, his devoted pupil, stepped forward as organist and later Choirmaster, dedicating over four decades to cultivating musical excellence. During the intervening years, Fr. Lucian G. B. Fernando, an equally gifted choral leader, sustained the Choir’s prominence. In recognition of his contributions, Warden Neville de Alwis appointed Mr. Bartholomeusz as Precentor of the Chapel in 1997—a fitting tribute to one who embodied the spirit of sacred music.

Into the 21st century, Vinodh Senadeera, a former chorister and leader, carried forth the mission as Choirmaster and Organist until his untimely passing in 2019. His legacy, too, endures within the hallowed walls of the Chapel, where the Word of God—verbum Dei—resounds and inspires.

The tradition now spans 77 years, a luminous testimony to the enduring power of worship and song. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols continues to uplift those who enter, steeping them in the Anglican heritage of chant and Scripture. Each reading and carol traces the redemptive arc of salvation history, proclaiming the hope and fulfillment of Emmanuel’s coming: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).

In recent years, the spirit of this cherished tradition found resonance across continents. In 2009, the STCOBANSW/ACT, in Sydney faithfully emulated the Thomian Carol Service, blessed by the leadership of David Sansoni and Vasantha Weerakoon, both former members of the Mount Lavinia Choir. Under their guidance, a new generation has embraced the timeless Festival, accompanied by distinguished organists such as David Osborne and Godelieve Ghavalas, and now under the skilled hands of Nicolas Morley. The members of the Thoman Choir are either Thomians or with a close affinity to S. Thomas’ College. Some members have sung with the choir since its inception whilst all of them without exception have contributed with their GOD given gift and talent to make this, “ sui generis familia vocum” a unique family of remarkable voices”.

Esteemed clergy, including Archbishop Kanishka Raffel and The Most Rev. Dr. Glenn Davies, have graced the Festival Service with their Christmas messages, enriching the faith of all present.

In the spirit of Advent, this Festival stands as a luminous beacon. May it continue to draw the faithful together in sacred anticipation, heralding the light of Christ’s coming and proclaiming the eternal message of redemption and hope.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam

Esto perpetua

The OBA Committee