Local News
Multi-faith crèche (Nativity) exhibit set for December 3-5
By media release
Nov 20, 2004

Bonham, Texas --   “Join us in welcoming the Christmas season through worldwide artistic portrayals of the birth of Jesus Christ,” states the invitation to Multi-Faith Crèche (Nativity) Exhibit set for December 3-5. 

Hosted by Bonham’s First United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Bonham Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the event is being held in the Latter-day Saints’ new building at 1540 S. Hwy. 78 (2 miles south of the Bonham Square).  The exhibition offers a wide assortment of nativity scenes created from a multitude of materials, and a variety of artistic interpretations and representations from around the world of the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The tradition of a crèche exhibit in this area was started in McKinney in 1998 to help begin the Christmas Season with a reminder of what the season truly celebrates,” stated crèche chairman Myrna St.George.  “We’ve wanted to bring it ‘closer to home’ for the last several years. Last year, with the completion of our new building, we had the opportunity to do so.  We expect to have over 400 nativity sets on display from over 20 countries.  Each year there are always new sets as crèche collectors are constantly adding to their collections.  This year one exhibitor is including her recently inherited collection of 11 Frankoma™ plates, each depicting a Biblical scene from the nativity story.  Other collectors will display sets from their recent travels to Spain, England and France.  The crèches come in all sizes and shapes from the tiniest of miniatures, to yard displays.”

“Over 350 people viewed last year’s exhibit,” continued St.George.  “Watching the delight in the visitor’s faces (both young and old), and listening to their comments as they walk through the exhibit and discover a unique crèche is a rewarding experience to the many volunteers who assist with the event every year.  People stand in front of the live nativity and debate ‘are they real?’  Children are especially intrigued by it and stand in awe of the scene.  Others marvel at the many variations of one simple scene.”

Hours for the exhibit are: December 3^rd from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., December 4^th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and December 5^th  from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.   In addition to the Crèche exhibit, a Christmas Concert will be presented Friday, beginning at 7 p.m. in the church’s chapel.  Following the performance, the exhibit will remain open until 9:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited, and the exhibit and concert are free.  For more information on the exhibit, you may call 903-989-2933 or 214-728-9814.