Tidings of Joy

KITCHENER, Ont. – Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has been well-known for its music programming throughout its history. The Christmas Cantata project began in 2008, and over the years the project has grown to utilize the world-renowned Centre In The Square theatre. The goal of the Christmas Cantata is to spread the central Christmas message that “Jesus has become man for our salvation, let us rejoice!” Historic St. Paul’s feels that music is a powerful and beautiful form for conveying this Good News of Christ. 

Held on November 22, 2024, “Tidings of Joy, a Celtic Christmas Cantata,” was this year’s program. Inspired by Celtic music traditions and time-honoured carols, this new work by Joseph Martin overflowed with seasonal spirit. From prophecy to Epiphany, the cantata covered the entire Christmas story and wrapped it in jubilant and approachable music. Supported by encouraging narration and dazzling orchestration, this spectacular work was a warm holiday welcome for the community. 

The church is excited to report that 2024 was the best attended Cantata ever, with 1,400 attendees, raising nearly $15,000 towards the affordable housing project.

The Christmas Cantata was directed by Historic St. Paul’s music director and organist, Cameron Streicher. The Historic St. Paul’s Community Choir was made up of more than 110 voices, and were accompanied by five incredible soloists, the full Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, and the Historic St. Paul’s Hand Bell Choir.  

This year, Historic St. Paul’s celebrates their 190^th anniversary. One of their great traditions has always been music, and the church was thrilled to share that with the community this past November.  

Community has always been important to the members at Historic St. Paul’s. In 2019, after much prayer and planning, the church began work on their largest project yet. Proceeds from the 2024 Christmas Cantata will go to support the Affordable Housing development project, which is under construction on the Historic St. Paul’s property. Once completed, this six-story building will provide 57 affordable units to seniors, which will be a great blessing to the community. 

The church is thankful for all the volunteers, the Cantata Committee, the incredible musicians, the generous sponsors and donors, and the amazing community who attended this year’s Christmas Cantata. The church is excited to report that 2024 was the best attended Cantata ever, with 1,400 attendees, raising nearly $15,000 towards the affordable housing project. 

To learn more about the Christmas Cantata or the Affordable Housing Project, visit www.historicstpauls.ca.

Joshua Lavalle

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