All Hallows' Eve

All are welcome to attend the Chapel's candlelit All Hallows' Eve service, which takes place on the eve of All Saints Day, the festival in the Church that recalls the faith and witness of those who have carried on and cherished the Christian faith throughout history. The service celebrates the Church's continuing communion with these men and women and memorializes the recently deceased.

The early church followed the Jewish custom that a new day began at sundown; thus feasts and festivals of the Church were observed beginning on the night before. The night before All Saints (or All Hallows') became known as All Hallows' Eve, or Halloween. Every fall, Duke Chapel celebrates All Hallows' Eve with the Choral Vespers Ensemble leading a candlelight worship service at 10:30 p.m. on October 31.