101 Nativities, the little display that’s growing every year

Craig Bakay | Nov 29, 2017

OK, it may be time to re-think the name for it, but there’s no disputing the popularity of the 101 Nativities display at Cole Lake Free Methodist Church on Road 38 south of Parham.

Now in its seventh year, 101 Nativities no longer seems appropriate because the final count this year was well over 300 nativities, albeit some of that count includes tapestries and pins.

“Nativities Unlimited?” suggested Jean Freeman, who started the event with Kris Caird.

“We started a little earlier this year,” said Caird. “And different people brought in their collections, some with more than 30 nativity scenes.”

The event ran Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Sunday has historically been the busiest day and this year was no exception with a full parking lot and a steady stream of visitors coming through the door commenting the customary “ooohs” and “aaahs.”

Again the displays featured just about every kind of nativity one could imagine, included carved wood, metal, stone, embroidery, crochet, plastic, glass, fabric — you name it.

And again much of the world is represented with several sets originating in Africa, Asia (Israel), South America, Haiti, the U.S. They even changed the table coverings to blue and white fabric and added an arch with a sign featuring a nativity.

“And there are lots of nativities that are home-made,” said Caird. “That’s always nice.”

The oldest nativity (“that we know about”) was made in 1955, she said.

“And I don’t think we have any doubles.”

Although Freeman and Caird started and are still the instigators of the project, they’re quick to acknowledge that they haven’t done it alone.

“We’re always appreciative of the help we get,” said Freeman. “There’s the baking (and they do have some of the best munchies you’re likely to see at these sorts of things including squares and hot cider).

“And there’s the put up and take down workers — it takes the whole church community.”

“It goes down quicker than it goes up,” Caird said. “Jes sayin’.”

“It’s not an onerous task, but it doesn’t happen all by itself,” said Freeman.

As for a name change?

We’ll probably have to wait until this time next year for a decision on that one.