Saints from the Cheltenham Stake had an extra event in the calendar this year - a "Victorian Christmas service". On December 21st, members were invited to the historic LDS chapel and sing carols, hear scripture readings and mix and mingle afterwards with refreshments provided.
"Last year the snows caused the event to be cancelled", said John Snell, Stake Director of Public Affairs. "Members have lots of events and activities at this time, so we were grateful to those who came and entered into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in traditional costume. As we sat in the chapel which dates back to before 1840, it was easy to "feel" the presence of those early pioneers. Perhaps they were meeting together in Christmas services for the last time before they embarked on their journeys across the Atlantic and then on to the saints assembling in "Zion". What a wonderful legacy of faith and sacrifice at a time when worldly commercialism and materialism threatens the true message of Christmas"
"With the 175th anniversary of the church in Great Britain in 2012, plans are afoot to make this event a regular part of the calendar and perhaps extend the invite far wider than the Stake's boundaries"