The innocence of childhood, the power of prayer and the majesty of music combined to make the 2007 'Iolani School Christmas Chapel Service one for the ages.
All the K-12 students and teachers gathered in the Lower Gymnasium this Friday morning and opened the service on a rousing note with the hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
As second graders, some with wee voices, others with enthusiastic inflection, read passages describing the birth of Jesus, their classmates acted out a traditional Nativity scene. The three magi were played by Mrs. Joan Wehrman, Mr. Dean Yonamine and athletic director Mr. Eddie Maruyama who followed their own shepard children.
Kim Bartenstein of The Children's Alliance of Hawaii thanked the school for more than 150 gifts donated to sexually abused children in Hawaii. She described how much these gifts mean to youngsters who have been through life threatening and traumatic experiences.
An offeratory collection was also conducted for The Honolulu Advertiser and The Honolulu Star Bulletin Christmas fund.
Music teacher Mary Chesnut Hicks and tenor Jim Price provided a highlight of the service as they, accompanied by chorus teacher John Alexander on piano and members of the student orchestra, sang The Prayer. They received a standing ovation as their magical voices filled the gym with resounding sound and the spirit of the season.
The service ended as everyone sang Joy to the World.
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
Have a safe and meaningful holiday season.
