The 3 Choirs , Howick Brass Band and cast of the Musical. by Supplied

Trinity Methodist Church Pakuranga presents, ‘The Story of the Unsung Carol’

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On 25 June Trinity Methodist Church in Pakuranga staged a mid-winter Christmas musical, primarily to ‘chase away the winter blues’. The event did that and much more. According to those who attended, “It was one magical night – an experience never to be forgotten.” Maheeka Gunasekara-Ariyapperuma shares the story.

The concept for the event was first mooted in October 2022, and nine sub-committees worked with missionary zeal from February 2023, to deliver a special event that thrilled the audience. The musical comprised a cast of 10, along with the Trinity Methodist Church Choir and two visiting choirs: the Pitt Street Methodist Church choir and the Mount Albert Methodist Church choir.

To complete the extravaganza, the Howick Brass Band accompanied the congregational carols and the grand finale, Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ performed by the three choirs. The congregation was requested to come in festive attire, to bring about the spirit of Christmas.

The story revolved around the Angels in Heaven, coming together on the night of 24 December to celebrate the birth of Christ in the Golden Lounge in Heaven. St. Peter introduces the ‘hour of jubilation’, where each Angel sings their favourite carols backed by their specific choir. A special guest, George Frederic Handel, joins the celebrations to make the hour of jubilation one memorable night for all. Handel hears the beautiful singing in the Golden Lounge and decides to take a break from his composing work. Upon his entrance, Handel sees so many talented choristers, along with the fabulous brass band, that he requests all the choirs to sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ as a grand finale to the night of jubilation. The story was kept a secret until the performance, as it was intended for the audience to be surprised by experiencing something novel and magical.

The church was transformed into a magical heaven-like venue with a glittering Christmas tree, complete with a sledge full of presents guarded by a lighted reindeer, fairy lights cascading into torrents of flashing colours and impressive floral arrangements in a mix of gold, red and white.

The sermon, delivered by Rev. Amos Muzondiwa, the presbyter of the Trinity Methodist Church, was based on the act of mercy and love shown by the Angel of Mercy. The service ended with the Trinity Church choir walking out with candles, while the congregation sang ‘Oh come all ye faithful’ amidst a multitude of fairy lights.

This was another unique event organized to glorify God for all His mercies showered upon the church, which celebrates its 60th year in its present location. 

The cast with Rev. Amos Muzondiwa — Image by: .
The decorated church interior — Image by: .