Nativity scene heralds presence of Nativity Lutheran Church in Hampton

Nativity Lutheran Church in Hampton is recognized by its 8-foot-tall figures of Mary and Joseph behind a manger, surrounded by three wise men and shepherds. There is an ox, a camel, some sheep and a manger as part of the display on the grass in front.

The Nativity, which portrays the birth of Jesus in a stable through paintings and displays, is definitely fitting, not only because it’s the holiday season, but also because of the church’s name.

“The Nativity reinforces the name of the church, and is a visual representation for the season,” said Tom Beecher, church treasurer. “It is also a landmark.”

The church is located on Mt. Royal Boulevard. Its location can be confusing because the boulevard at one time intersected with Route 8 at a very sharp angle, so a new section was created to make a safer intersection, Beecher said.

“Since there were only two buildings on the old section, the name was never changed,” said Beecher, who also takes care of the nearby memorial garden. “People who have never been to Nativity always have a hard time finding us.”

Nativity

Having the Nativity display out fronts helps people find the worship site, Beecher said. It has been a beacon for the congregation for more than three decades every holiday season.

Larry Kramer, who was chairman of the church’s Christian Outreach Committee in the late 1980s, owned a construction company and happened to be working on a project in Squirrel Hill when he saw a large Nativity scene. He liked the idea so much that he took a picture of the display and brought the idea back to the church council, which approved the construction and display of the current scene.

An artist was hired to paint the display, which was built in 1988. Most of the pieces are originals.

Figures were cut from 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood. They’ve been touched up because of wear and tear from being out in all weather. The faces of the people are quite detailed.

The Nativity was installed the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent. It will be removed the first Saturday after Epiphany.

Volunteers from the 125-member church, which was built in 1966, help place pipes into the ground and attach the figures. There is a large A-frame that holds a star above Mary and Joseph. Spotlights shine on the display at night.

“When we tell people that Nativity Lutheran Church is located at the intersection of Mt. Royal Blvd and Route 8, they immediately associate our church with the large Nativity scene which was constructed by our members. This has become an icon in Hampton Township,” said Beecher. He and his his wife, Judy, have been members since 1980.

The scene, more than just a display, is a symbol of the church’s commitment to its faith and community, said Ilo Romero, a church council member and chair of the communications committee who developed computer programs used to livestream worship services.

“Each figure, carefully crafted and maintained over the years, tells a story of dedication and community spirit,” said Romero, via email. “It’s a visual reminder of the bonds that hold the community together, transcending age, background, and belief. The scene is not just a depiction of a historical event; it’s a living, breathing representation of the church’s mission and values.”

Sunday worship starts at 10:15 a.m. and is led by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Jennifer Soltis. It is livestreamed for those who are not physically able to attend.

“Having a large Nativity scene in front of our building is more than just a nod to our name,” said Soltis, via email. “It is an opportunity to bear witness to our faith. For some, Christmas is a joyous and happy time. For others, it may be a time of grief and sorrow. As people drive by the nativity set, I pray that this Nativity set may remind them of God’s presence and love for us as we await and celebrate the coming of Jesus, our Emmanuel, God with us. May God grant you all peace, joy, hope and love this holiday season.”

Details: www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org