First Congregational brings back live nativity, invites community to see new history wall

First Congregational Church of Hudson’s live nativity, a Hudson tradition for nearly 20 years, will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 4 p.m., on the front lawn of the church at 47 Aurora St. 

The event is held in conjunction with the city’s annual Holiday Walk. 

“Seeing children and adults wearing elaborate costumes while being surrounded by an assortment of different, live animals is incredible,” says Liz Yeakley, First Congregational’s director of children’s ministries and organizer of the live nativity. “It takes many helping hands to bring together the production each year. Dee Buchanan started the live Nativity in The First Congregational Church’s courtyard 19 years ago. Her vision has since grown to be a community-wide event where families look forward to viewing the live nativity as a part of their holiday tradition.”

In addition to donning costumes for the nativity, congregants have built and updated the stable over the years. Most recently, church member Jeremy Lavoie built a new stable as his Eagle Scout project.   

On that same day, First Congregational will also welcome visitors to tour its historic sanctuary and a new history installation in the main hallway of the church from 1 to 4 p.m.  

“For over 200 years, First Congregational Church of Hudson has sought to build loving relationships and be a home to those seeking a place of welcome, embrace and acceptance,” said Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Peter Wiley. “We are proud of our history and how each generation has taken David Hudson’s original mission, ‘To do and dare for Christ,’ and made it their own. The fact that our present-day sanctuary was built during the Civil War, during a time of such great strife and division in our country, says a lot about the faith of that congregation. It’s truly remarkable when you think about it.

“Our new history wall highlights key milestones in our history, from our founding in 1802 until present day. We are excited to host an open house on Dec. 4 where we can share this museum-quality installation with the public.”

Docents in the sanctuary and the history hallway will provide brief historical facts about each space. 

The public can enter the church through its historic front doors on Aurora Street, or park in the lot behind the church and enter the back doors.

Complimentary hot beverages and a holiday treat will be offered by the church’s membership board.

For more information, contact the church at 330-650-4048. ∞

Featured Photo: First Congregational Church of Hudson’s annual live nativity takes place Dec. 4, in conjunction with the Holiday Walk downtown. Photos submitted.