The Annual Christmas Candlelight Parade was held on Monday, December 16 at 6:30pm in Blackville. About fifty people braved the frigid temperatures and participated in the walk from Shaffer Lane to St. Raphael’s Church.

Father Godwin Kalu of St. Raphael’s welcomed the crowd to the interfaith event, followed by an opening prayer by Rev. Coleman Price from Upper Blackville United Pentecostal Church. Edie Walls, representing Saint Andrews United Church, delivered an Old Testament Reading of Isaiah 9:2-7 before the group sang O Come All Ye Faithful (watch video below).

Father Gerry Laskey of Holy Trinity Anglican Church delivered a gospel reading (Luke 2:1-14) before joining the group singing of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The Blessing of the Creche was performed by Father Kalu, who then led the group in the singing of Away in a Manger. Closing Prayer was by Rev. John Stewart of the Miramichi Fellowship Center, followed by the Benediction by Father Laskey.

The group sang Joy to the World before heading over to the Father AA McKinnon Memorial Hall for a fellowship and reception provided by St. Andrews United Church Women. Madine Keenan served as master of ceremonies for the event and Eric Hendricks provided the sound system.