Christmas at First Presbyterian
Article # 16.
Something that all Christian churches have in common is the Holy Christmas Season. It is always a very special time for congregations and our church is certainly no exception. We have researched the records for the past 37 years that our congregation has worshiped here at Fair Road and we have found some interesting trends. During the time that this facility was being constructed, the congregation worshiped in the Marvin Pittman school and some old church customs had to be put “on hold”. So it was a few years before new and old customs emerged.
Estelle Strickland instigated the custom of having our Chrismon Tree in 1972, and for 32 years this beautiful tree has graced our sanctuary during the Advent season. Also, in 1972, the custom of lighting the Advent Candles began. At first we used a small table to hold the wreath and candles. Then one year we hit upon using a piece of Savannah Avenue history to hold the wreath. Mr. I.B. Robinson had made a Baptismal Font from a column that was replaced at the 1920 manse. That beautiful lovingly handmade font served until 2003, when it was replaced by the beautiful new brass wreath and candle set given to the church in memory of Wilma Renfroe by the Renfroe family.
The custom of having a Christmas Eve Candlelight service began in about 1974 or 1975 when Walter Pease Sr served on the Worship Committee and started this program which continues to this day.
The Living Nativity Scene, a custom which had been started at the Savannah Avenue Church was re-instituted in 1977, and continued until 1989. The first few years, costumes were makeshift (you know, bathrobes and towels, etc), but the WOC began making quite beautiful and elaborate costumes for the 1980 production, and these costumes were used from then on. Animals were a part of this scene almost from the beginning. A lovely little donkey and a very handsome goat took part the first year and behaved beautifully. However, the goat reneged in 78 and would not let himself be captured. The live Nativity scene proved to be very popular; over 200 cars were counted that first year. They stopped and observed and many took pictures. Little children were observed “oohing and aahing” over the scene. One year The Statesboro Herald did a very nice write-up about it.
A simple shelter was built that could be dismantled and stored after use. Bill Smith kept it at his farm. A simple cradle was built for the Christ Child and it is still in the closet in the Narthex. The scene was lighted by spotlights which were connected to the electricity in our former church sign. (New church sign is not lighted yet.) The animals were brought to the church each evening and taken back each night after the scene closed. Usually the donkey was very agreeable and allowed himself to be led up the ramp to the trailer. However, one year he absolutely refused to leave. No amount of pushing and prodding or coaxing by Frank Pearson, Al Odom, Mike Kennedy and others could move him. Luckily, the late Bobbie Kennedy knew exactly what to do. She held a handful of tempting straw in front of him and he followed her very docilely up the ramp to his trailer home - much to the relief of the frustrated men-folks!
It was often cold on the three nights before Christmas when the Nativity scene was on display. Pocket hand warmers were given a good workout - and hot chocolate served later helped to warm up the participants. Many families served together as shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph and angels, making their Christmas celebrations even more meaningful.
For a number of years, starting in 1974, Operation Christmas Cheer was a holiday fixture. A Christmas tree was placed in the Narthex. The decorations were made of paper and held the name of someone who needed Christmas cheer. The idea was to un-decorate the tree, take the name and visit that person during the season with gifts and a cheery visit. Several years the names were of Nursing Home patients, some years the names of Homebound folks were on the tree. The tree was always completely un-decorated.
Foster children in the community were remembered for several years starting in 1974 and one year the children of persons serving prison sentences were remembered with gifts and visits, and one year our gifts went to young patients in Gracewood Hospital. We supported “The Santa Clause Express” for Quitman home until Swainsboro apartments were built - now we support the “Be an Angel” program for those folks.
The custom of having poinsettias decorating the church began when Beverly Presley served as Chair of the Worship Committee in 1991. For 1989 to 2002, we enjoyed an old fashioned Madrigal Supper in December, with Don Davis often acting the part of the “Lord of the Manor”. The well-remembered “Night Before Christmas” was always read to the children.
Making Chrismons for the children each year began in 1987 by Emily Broucek when she served as Chair of the Special Projects committee of the WOC. That custom continues to this day with Cindy Glover making sure that a Chrismon is made for each child and now also for members of the Silver Lining Club.
One year a Christmas Cookie Exchange was held, and that was fun for everyone. Corlyn McCrosky would decorate a special tree in Carlton Hall each year, and the children and young people would always present a special program, play or musical holiday selection, much to the delight of their fond parents, grandparents and friends.
There have been many Joy Gift programs, Ed Green’s Choir and
Pam Radford’s Choir have always presented beautiful Christmas music.
Christmas at First Presbyterian is always a very special time, and the true
meaning of the Holy Season is always presented in a beautiful, loving, and
happy way.
A VERY HAPPY HOLY HOLIDAY SEASON TO YOU ALL!!! dso