On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 1941, 17 days after the dastardly attack on Pearl Harbor, Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, 70 years ago, Holland residents gathered in CentennialPark and Hope Memorial (Dimnent) Chapel for a 7 p.m. community carol sing and an 11 p.m. carol service.

Beginning in 1918, following World War I, the Holland park tradition continued near the lighted Christmas tree and annually attracted hundreds of people. After the chapel’s 1929, dedication, hour-long caroling concluded at midnight.

Since its inception, the park carol sing was under the auspices of the Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Hope College Music Department, assisted by the Holland High School A Cappella choir, sponsored the Hope chapel service.

The Rev. Nicholas Gosselink, pastor of First Reformed Church, led singing at both events. In the park he was assisted by a trumpet quartet, arranged by John Perkoski, consisting of Robert Scheerhorn, Howard Jalving, John Kleis and Marvin Overway.

Miss Geraldine Walvoord accompanied on an old-fashioned organ, with an adequate amplifying system. Lights were installed in the park. The DAR society, with Mrs. C.C. Wood regent, supplied song sheets distributed by Boy Scouts.

Christmas carols were played on the McLean Memorial chimes in the chapel heralding the service with the processional hymn “Adeste Fideles” sung by the vested choir. Mrs. W.C. Snow of HopeCollege and Miss Trixie Moore of HollandHigh School arranged the service. The invocation and scripture reading was given by the Rev. Hinkamp.

“And the Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s “Messiah” was sung by the school choir augmented with singers from various Holland church choirs.