93 Years: Basking Ridge Carolers Continue To Spread Holiday Cheer

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Since 1924, local residents continue to come together every Christmas Eve in Basking Ridge to sing carols, wish good tidings, and spread cheer.

This annual tradition is going into its 93rd year and is said to have started when a local businessman named Ray Moffett of Moffett Motors Chevrolet (formerly Moffett Garage) on Maple Avenue, drove a group of carolers around Basking Ridge. His phone number was "Bernardsville 348," according to the Somerset Hills Historical Society.

The event then moved in 1927 from his car to the town "Green," where it continues to be held today. The “Green” is a small patch of grass that stands at the center of Finley Avenue across the street from 1 West Oak Street, also known as the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Jim Felter of Basking Ridge, has been the Christmas Eve Carol coordinator since 2006, but has been performing with the brass ensemble that leads the carolers since the mid-1960s. The brass ensemble was added in 1932.

“I got involved way back when I was in sixth grade because I played trombone at Oak Street School and my music teacher sent me over to play on Christmas Eve and I haven’t missed a year yet.”

The ensemble is totally volunteer. Anyone can join to play or to sing with the carolers.

Those wishing to play in the brass ensemble can show up at Westminster Hall (Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church) at 6 p.m.

Those wishing to sing should bring a flashlight or a cell phone with a flashlight app to read the carol sheets that are offered to anyone starting at about 6:45 p.m. The attendees sing a total of nine songs (same every year).

Song list:

1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. Hark the Herald Angel Sing
3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
4. The First Noel
5. Brass Quartet: Silent Night Holy Night
6. Silent Night Holy Night
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
8. Deck the Halls
9. We Three Kings
10. Joy to the World

After the singing comes to a close the church bells will ring from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Then the area’s church doors open for an early service.

If you’re interested in participating or for more information, reach out to Jim Felter at posaune007@gmail.com.

(Photos via History in the Somerset Hills - Thssh.org)

Photo 1 - A local artist rendering of Christmas Eve in Basking Ridge. Photo taken at the Ross Farm display 2016.

Photo 2 - Carol sheets.

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