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For many Christians around the world, celebrating the Nativity—the birth of Jesus Christ—is the most important part of the Christmas season. It’s not uncommon to see nativity scenes at churches and in communities during the holiday season.

First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton has been displaying a nativity scene on the church lawn since the 1970s. The life-size nativity scene consists of 15 figures crafted from plywood by J.W. Geagley, a member of the church. After the patterns were cut, another church member, Drew White, was tasked with painting the figures. A friend, Joe Muncey, assisted White with the painting. The two researched Fourth Century paintings of Christ for inspiration.

The original figures included a painted Baby Jesus for the manger, but the figure often disappeared at Christmas. “Replacement of this figure has been hard because people seemingly always want to take Baby Jesus with them,” said Jean Madgett, who serves as the church historian. In recent years, the Baby Jesus figure has not been included in the display until Christmas Eve.

This year, the nativity scene received an updated look. Under the direction of Gary Bruggeman, a group of men from the church sanded the figures. Over the summer, the nativity figures were lined up in the church halls under the sanctuary, awaiting their fresh look. A group of artists—Mabe Brown, Joyce Manuel, Teresa Pinkard, and Lori Andrews—spent several hours refreshing the figures.

However, the nativity scene that will be on display this Christmas season is not the original set. A few years ago, a new set was made using the original figures as patterns. First United Methodist’s choir director, Mrs. Phyllis Lovette, contacted Larry Verran to update the second set of figures.

In the early 2000s, Nancy Deal and the worship committee—including Martha Epperson, Joyce Manuel, and other interested members—refurbished the nativity. They sanded and repainted the figures, added jewels to the Wise Men, and replaced any elements needing attention.

After years of wear and tear, another update was necessary, making 2024 the year for a refresh.

“This unusual display, a dream of members who came before us, is amazing,” said Madgett.

The nativity scene graces the lawn in front of the church’s education building each Christmas. Spotlights illuminate the display, making it visible from a distance. The nativity includes a shelter, Mary and Joseph, a crib for Baby Jesus, shepherds, Wise Men, sheep, a donkey, a cow, and more.

Madgett said the nativity scene is the church’s gift to the town of Elizabethton each Christmas.

“To God be the glory!” she added.