Friends to kick off Christmas season with lighting of clock tower Dec. 4

The illumination of Friends University’s historic clock tower has become one of Wichita’s traditional symbols for the start of the holiday season. Friends University invites the community to join in the Ceremony of Lights scheduled for Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s celebrations will shine a bit brighter as Friends honors local artist Hugh Greer. Mr. Greer and the Independent Living Resource Center selected the lighting of the Friends University clock tower as the subject of his annual holiday painting. Greer partners every year with the Independent Living Resource Center to highlight a local historical site as a way to raise funds for their organization.

Hugh Greer Davis Christmas Lighting

Even Temp of Wichita Inc. has graciously made a gift to fund the lighting of the clock tower again this year.

Ceremony of Lights activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Davis Administration building with a holiday skit, the reading of the Christmas story, music and caroling. Attendees will move to Rose Window Plaza outside the building at approximately 5:45 p.m. for the official countdown to the lighting of the angels, a group of Christmas trees decorated by various student clubs and organizations, the wreath and the clock tower. Refreshments and cookie decorating will be offered on the plaza following the lighting ceremony.

The event is free and open to the public.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives