McDaniel College commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Christmas tree lighting Dec. 3 after the annual Choir Concert. Before he lit the towering spruce in front of Baker Memorial Chapel, College Historian and Professor of Mathematics Emeritus James Lightner explained the significance of the tradition, which began in 1956.

 

After the annual Christmas Choir Concert, then-president Lowell Ensor illuminated a pine tree outside the President’s house. The spruce lit today was planted in 1957-8, when Baker Memorial Chapel was built. The formal lighting was discontinued in the 1970s, due to a semester schedule change, but restarted in 1997.

“Again tonight we illuminate, with this little ceremony, our community tree as a symbol of the season of light in this holiday time,” Lightner told the gathering. “Let these lights burn brightly and cheerily throughout the days ahead as a joyful reminder of our various religious heritages and as a beacon for peace as another year swiftly draws to a close.”

After the lighting, students, alumni, faculty and community members enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies, just as they did 50 years ago.