Nazareth—For the 20th time, parishioners at Holy Family Church will present its Christmas Pageant. Performances are set for Sunday, Dec. 20 and Monday, Dec. 21, both evenings at 7:00pm at the church, located at 210 St. Joseph Street.
The pageant was first presented in 1972 and there are four parishioners who have been a part of the pageant since its beginnings, according to spokesperson Lisa Schulte.
“Kathy Birkenfeld, Delores Heiman and Sharon Brockman have been involved with the choir, while Jim Hoelting has been a choir member and has been heavily involved with the lighting for the pageant,” said Schulte. “The pageant is a group effort that requires the efforts of easily over 100 people, with different organizations helping with refreshments, parking, and decorating the church for the Christmas season. It is truly a community effort that includes a stage crew from 18-year-olds to 75-year-olds and each person involved does a great job in making this possible.”
Schulte added that a majority of the original costumes first used in 1972 will be used for this year’s pageant.
“We’ve had to make a few alterations and modifications,” she said. “We have noticed that the soldiers are a little larger than they were 43 years ago and along the way we’ve had to repair props and angel wings.”
The pageant will include original music first performed in 1972 that was written by fellow parishioners.
“In 1972, I remember that the late Ernie Brockman would crawl along the floor in front of the pews and light up the actors,” said Schulte. “They also tried to use a spot from the choir loft and it would light up everything in its path. The lighting crew tried to cover up the back of the spotlight, using the late Lavern Wilhelm’s cap.
Needless to say, a burning smell and smoke followed. Thankfully, the spotlight was retired and slide projector lights were used.”
This will be the fourth performance of the pageant since 2009, according to Schulte.
There is no admission for the pageant and love offerings will be accepted both evenings, according to Schulte.
“This year, weather permitting, we will have a group of guitarists outside the church entrance performing Christmas Carols and we’ll also have a stable area set up outside with animals and shepherds,” Schulte said.
For additional information about the annual Nazareth Pageant, please call Holy Family Church at 945-2616.