Every December the Elgin and Area Heritage Society adorns the Red Brick School (RBS) with wreaths and lights in preparation for celebrating Christmas.  Inside and out this historic landmark reflects majestic splendour to the delight of visitors and passers by.

An Elgin tradition is the “Sharing the Light of Christ”. On the First Sunday of Advent the village and area residents join in an inclusive, ecumenical evening of Christmas celebration.  The journey involves visiting each church in turn for readings and carols, then moving on to the next and the next with a stop at the RBS and ending at the Municipal Complex for fellowship, hot chocolate and cookies.

The stop at the Red Brick School is unique.  Visitors gather in the larger seniors’ room where the South Crosby junior students entertain with a selection of Christmas songs amidst the decorations of evergreen boughs, wreaths and lights.  The guests are transported back to an earlier time and experience the simple, uncomplicated joy of Christmas in an educational environment.

Sadly, COVID-19 did not allow the Sharing of the Light of Christ to occur for 2020; however, it could not dampen the spirit of the RBS which, as in previous years, has continued to Deck the Halls.  Some pictures of the decorations are included with this article, even one showing the empty classroom all set up waiting for guests.  Reminds one of the world waiting some 2000 plus years ago!