With the temperature near a cool 50 degrees, a crowd of almost 250 local residents and parishioners assembled for the 2nd Annual Grace Episcopal Church and Day School Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
With the voices of the combined Church Adult, Youth, and Day School Choirs singing “Silent Night,” Bishop Lawrence Provanzano, Episcopal Bishop of Long Island and newly elected NYS Senator Michael Venditto pushed the button to light the 30 foot tall evergreen on the lawn of Grace Church.
Joining in the ceremony were Grace’s new Rector, The Rev. Dr. Walter V. Hillebrand and Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joseph Pinto. New this year was a Mini Christmas Market featuring homemade jams, jellies, Christmas wreaths, poinsettias and holiday crafts.
Grace Church is again welcoming the community on Christmas Eve for a Family Christmas Mass beginning at 5 p.m.; a Christmas Carol Concert at 10:30 p.m. and a Traditional Candlelight Christmas Mass beginning at 11 p.m.
Over in the village, Mayor Jeffrey P. Pravato and the Board of Trustees along with Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed the holiday season by lighting the Christmas tree and menorah at the Village of Massapequa Park’s Annual Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
Crowds of Massapequa Park residents came with their family and friends to view the tree lighting. Park Boulevard was also abound with Christmas lights and holiday decor lining the street.
(Photo courtesy of Pebble Cifarelli)
Parents warmed up with hot chocolate while the kiddies visited with Santa and Frozen’s Olaf.
