Here at St. John the Evangelist, we have several dates on the church calendar—both spiritual and some with secular connotations—that are recognized and celebrated throughout the year. Not least among them is our annual Christmas Holly Tea, which was showcased on December 14th for the fifteenth consecutive Christmas.
The Holly Tea arose from the ashes of the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the first Anglican Church in Topsail—the old heritage building.
Each month that year, in 2010, was marked with a special activity or guest relevant to the successful worship and endurance over the decades.
After twelve months’ duration, and to conclude things, we decided to have a once-in-a-lifetime finale. This was achieved by preparing a special luncheon, using our finest china, and serving it in an appropriately decorated environment while inviting friends from neighbouring parishes.
It was a proud year with a successful and pleasant ending.
As Christmas approached the following year, we kept receiving positive accolades about our previous presentation, which encouraged us to give it a second try—and the rest is history.
Consequently, it has grown exponentially since that trial beginning fifteen years ago, which started with a welcome, luncheon, door prize, and poetry reading.
I believe that what makes our Holly Tea stand out as so prominent and popular is that, right from the beginning, it took on a very personal persona.
We have many groups who reserve early, which results in full capacity long before the event begins. Some families return each year.
There is one family who has never missed an event. Faith Mallard came as a baby with her parents, grandparents, and great-grandmother. This year, at fifteen years old, she helped our team serve the refreshments.
Each year, we endeavour to add to the entertainment to make it more conducive to all ages. This includes door prizes and multiple smaller prizes on tickets.
To add to the drama this year, a six-year-old boy sang two songs while being accompanied by his mother on the guitar. Faith also sang a solo, and, of course, we had our usual home-grown poetry reading.
Our sincere thanks to Shirley Glynn, who organised the whole show.
At the Holly Tea, we reach outside our parish,
To receive old friends and welcome new.
Exchanging greetings for a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year too.
Serve the Lord with gladness
Come before his presence with singing.
– Psalm 100: 2
