Yule Log

Yule Log began in 1918, the year that the College opened. The first class of students raised thirteen dollars to purchase lights and the services of an electrician to illuminate a tree in front of College Hall. As the fireplace in the entrance of College Hall was lit, and a log ceremoniously brought in and burned, the students gathered around the tree, singing Christmas carols. Today, the Yule Log ceremony takes place in Voorhees Chapel. While it retains the look and spirit of the first one, the songs and readings have expanded to embrace a diversity of seasonal celebrations representing many cultures, faiths, and traditions. Yule Log has evolved to focus on a common theme of light and the proximity to the Winter Solstice.