Good Shepherd Church’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off Holiday Season
Hundreds gathered on the lawn outside Good Shepherd Church Saturday evening to herald in the holiday season with the parish’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
Persistent rain, which had lasted throughout the day, let up just as carolers from the church choir kicked off the ceremony with some Christmas tunes. There was also a rooftop appearance by a certain chimney-diving gift giver, known for his love of milk and cookies, as well as a raffle that awarded a total of $5,000 to three lucky winners.
The tree lighting has taken place at Good Shepherd for a quarter of a century, said parish musical director Michael Fontana. In the past, Fontana said a church groundskeeper would spend weeks decorating the tree. After he moved away several years ago, the church turned to a lawn sprinkler company, which brings in a cherry picker to string lights through the branches.
“It’s just a beautiful way to bring the community together to start the Christmas season,” Fontana said of the tradition.
At 65 feet tall, parishioners say they have the second largest Christmas tree in Brooklyn. The evergreen rises above the roof of the church, which is located at the corner of Batchelder Street and Avenue S. After the carolers finished their program, led by the flamboyant antics of Fontana, the audience counted down from ten while children excitedly shrieked “Santa, Santa!”
When the tree lights released their golden glow on the lawn, Santa Claus appeared on the roof to wave at the gleeful crowd. He later climbed down from his perch to greet families and ask kids about what they would like for Christmas.
Nancy Russell, who attended the event with her two grandchildren, said she’s been coming to the tree lighting for more than 20 years. Her eldest grandchild, Grace, said she planned to ask Santa for an iPad mini and would also request toy balls for her baby brother.
“It’s a great way to bring in the holiday season,” said Russell. “It’s terrific.”
Three church members got some early presents during the evening’s raffle, which raised money for the church. Three prizes, worth $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500, were awarded.