Pews fill for a night of Christmas carols

Songs were also accompanied by experienced organist and pianist David McNicol.

Performances were interjected by narration of Jesus’ birth through readings of the Bible read by Yvonne Pearce, John Ferris, Helen Quinn, Debbie Wilkinson, Leon Jay and Karen Witney.

John Ferris, who led the service through the Glory of Bethlehem, Micah 5: 2-4, said it was great to see the turnout for the carols this year.

“We have a congregation of just under 200 … so this is an incredible turnout,” he said.

Echuca Bellas musical director Marion Heywood even led the crowd through a few more well-known carols, such as Silent Night and Joy to the World.

She said she got particularly emotional during the performance.

“I nearly lost it at one stage because it was just so beautiful,” she said.

Ms Heywood said it was “always lovely” when the Bellas performed with the River Voices and Echuca Federation Band.

“It’s been a number of years we’ve been doing it together now,” she said.

“They work really hard, and they’re just so good — we always have a lovely time.”