Freemasons, their families, and friends gathered at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 14th December for their annual Christmas Carol Service, marking a much‑anticipated highlight of the festive calendar.
The service was presided over by the Dean of Leicester, The Very Reverend Karen Rooms, and featured a wonderful blend of traditional Christmas carols sung by the congregation alongside the beautiful voices of the Cathedral Choir, creating a warm and reflective atmosphere within the historic setting.
A series of readings were delivered by members of the Freemasons. Rick Morris opened with The Wisdom of Solomon 7:1–7, followed by Dale Page reading Exodus 3:1–6. Steve Skidmore then read Isaiah 11:1–9, with Noel Manby continuing with Isaiah 9:2, 6–7. Philip Dodd read Luke 1:26–38, and the readings concluded with Peter Kinder, who delivered Luke 2:1–16.
An excellent and thought‑provoking sermon was given by The Reverend Dr Robert Stephen, drawing together the themes of the season before the congregation returned to further hymns ahead of the service’s conclusion.
Following the service, attendees made their way to Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for the traditional Twilight Lunch. Nearly 120 guests sat down to enjoy an excellent Christmas meal, during which carols continued to be sung. The afternoon was rounded off with a lively and festive quiz, expertly led by Steve Skidmore, which entertained all present.
The Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, Peter Kinder, was delighted to welcome leaders from across the local community and thanked everyone for their support. He said: “Our annual Christmas Carol Service is the perfect way to start getting into the Christmas spirit. I want to thank everyone who turned out to this extremely popular event.”
The Carol Service and Twilight Lunch once again proved to be a fitting and joyful celebration of fellowship, reflection, and festive goodwill.
Left to right: Peter Furness, Sarah Furness (Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland), The Revd Cannon Emma Davies, The Very Revd Karen Rooms (Dean of Leicester Cathedral), Sandie Kinder, Peter Kinder (Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons), Peter Bedford (MP for Mid Leicestershire), Ravinder Taylor, Rita Kapur, Mike Kapur (Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire).
