NEW GLASGOW – The collection of nativity scenes at New Glasgow’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow every year.
The church now has over 400 nativity scenes, and is inviting anyone interested to go take a gander at the sixth annual display of those many pieces of artwork portraying a canonical chapter in the story of Jesus Christ, to kick off their holiday season.
Sister Jane Anne MacKinnon said there is a little bit of everything, from “very modern, to very old, and everything in between,” at Joy To The World: A Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.
“We have wall hangings, homemade nativities, a table of international nativities,” said MacKinnon, one of the sisters setting up the displays. “We have antiques, papier maché, pewter and wood.”
Tours will be self-guided. MacKinnon said guests can take as long as they want to admire the many, diverse nativity scenes.
Admission to the event is free of charge, said MacKinnon, who added, “we don’t accept anything – not donations, or anything like that.”
She noted that sisters with the church will be on hand to answer any questions, but “we’re going to just be in the background. Otherwise, you’re able to take your time, and go through once or twice.”
MacKinnon said the impressive number of nativity scenes grew a great deal in the past five years, from an original display in the event’s first year that featured 194 pieces of artwork.
“About a 160 of those were from our congregation, on loan,” said MacKinnon. “Every year, it’s gotten bigger and bigger. We haven’t finished counting, but we do know it’s over 400 now.”
In addition to members of congregation, people in the community at large have lent their own nativity scenes to be part of the collection for the season.
“This is the perfect way to start the Christmas season. It’s very peaceful here, and we’ve got music in the background. It’s lovely to look at,” said MacKinnon. “We know, just from the last six years, that most of the comments we’ve gotten have been ‘this is the beginning of my Christmas,’ or ‘we’ll be back.’ We’ve even had some people from as far away as New Brunswick, and other distant areas who come, every year.”
Open hours
Joy To The World: A Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ will take place at The New Glasgow branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (384 Abercrombie Rd.) from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3.
From Wednesday to Friday the display will be open to public from 6 to 9 p.m.
On Saturday, the display will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On Sunday, the display will be open from 3 to 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
