Hanover Christmas Mystery Begins Its Second Century!

On December 10, 2017, the Christmas Mystery will be performed at Rollins Chapel in Hanover, beginning its second century, and making it one of the longest-running pageants in the country. It was first performed in 1917 at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College; when fire destroyed the church in 1931, the Mystery moved to Rollins Chapel. The Christmas story is told through carols, with Hanover High School senior girls as angels and boys as shepherds, and local men lending their voices as elder shepherds, the wise men and Joseph. The identity of Mary is a mystery until the performance. She is a member of the previous year’s graduating class, and is chosen by a secret vote of her angel group. A highlight of the pageant is the performance of We Three Kings, when the kings arrive with an adorable page in tow and present their gifts. The spirit of giving continues through the next song, O Come All Ye Faithful, when audience members are invited to come forward to lay gifts at the manger. Gifts should be wrapped and marked with the age and gender of the intended recipient. In the past the gifts have been donated to Listen Center and the Upper Valley Haven. The Christmas Mystery performance itself is supported by voluntary donations that may be made upon leaving the chapel. Although the Mystery is a telling of the Nativity through song, it has become a cherished tradition in the community among members of all or no religious persuasions. Join your neighbors in a spirit of peace and giving.