By Claire Chow ’26

Mercersburg Academy held its first Holiday Campus Tour on Sunday, December 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. The McFadden Model Railroad Museum, the James Buchanan Cabin, and the Irvine Memorial Chapel were open to the public. James Brinson, arts faculty, organist, and carillonneur at the Academy, played a variety of pieces on the carillon in the spirit of the holiday season. In addition, the Mercersburg Area Community Chorus Concert followed in the chapel at 3 p.m.

The McFadden Model Railroad Museum was open for visitors to appreciate the model train collection during the afternoon. Taeeon Moon ’25, Daniel Cunningham ’26, and William Sellery ’26 had worked with faculty members Emily Parsons and Marc Batson on the restoration of the museum for the past two years. Moon was particularly excited to welcome the community and Mercersburg students to the museum. Visitors had the opportunity to see a sample of the collection in action. Santa also made an appearance for younger train enthusiasts.

Mercersburg Academy collaborated with the Conococheague Institute on the presentation of the James Buchanan Cabin. The cabin is presumed to be the home of the 15th U.S. president. To provide context for visitors, Matthew Wedd, director of the institute, and students were dressed in Revolutionary era costumes.

Music awaited attendees at the Irvine Memorial Chapel. Brinson played pieces, mostly based on themes of Advent and Christmas, on the carillon. Visitors enjoyed the sounds of the carillon from both inside and outside of the chapel from 2 to 2:30 p.m. The Mercersburg Area Community Chorus also performed Handel's Messiah and other seasonal music in the chapel at 3 p.m.