The annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Malad, was held on December 24, 2023. Toni Werk, the Clerk of Session of the Presbyterian Church, welcomed over 80 people to the service. The lighting of the Advent Candles by the Jeppsen and Charles families marked the beginning of the Christmas season with the candles symbolizing hope, peace, love, and joy.

Pastor Jack Harwell of Malad’s Baptist Church read the scriptures during the program. Members of the Presbyterian Church, Jeff Treasure (pianist) and Darla Thurber (chorister), assisted the audience in singing the six traditional community Christmas carols that interspersed the program.

Special musical numbers by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints included “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Emily Christiansen, Carrie Ann Jensen, and Pennie Wolf. Drew Pettis and Ralph Bennett sang “As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil,” accompanied by Lamona Bennett.

At appropriate times as indicated by the scriptures, young performers walked up the aisle to create the Nativity scene at the front of the church. Charlotte Werk was Mary, and Wynn Werk was Joseph. Shepherds were Vivian Young, Jaquelynn Young, and Gideon Whipple. The three kings were William Whipple, Bronson Garrett, and Casey Young.

The angel choir, comprised of Winona Young, Serena Whipple, Caroline Whipple, Temperance Garrett, Addler Garrett, and Danielle Pettis, sang “Away in a Manger” when the performers were in place for the Nativity.

After the congregation sang “Joy to the World,” the traditional candle lighting ceremony was held. Led by Darla Thurber and Shirley Olsen, everyone’s small candle was lit, and then the lights in the chapel were dimmed while “Silent Night” was sung. When the lights were brought up again, Christmas had been ushered in for Malad Valley.