St. James Parish Nativity Scene 2009

These are some of the 21 figures of a Kaletta© ceramic Nativity Crèche set which was restored for St. James Parish, Potosi, Mo. They are considered a heritage nativity set for the parish. The figures were found in a box, under the cellar of our present church. In January 2009 the worn, aged and chipped ceramic statues were sent to a company which specializes in restoration and repainting of religious statues. They were returned December 2 in time for being exhibited in our sanctuary for our parish Christmas festivities of 2009.

Just when these nativity figures were obtained for the parish is not known. They are probably from the 1930's or 1940's. No record has been found of thier being purchased for St James Parish. At least 5 current parishioners who are aged in their 90's have no recollection of seeing these displayed in the church's observance of Christmas.

This photo was taken of the figures in the parish rectory, prior to the Christmas display in church. It does not show all the 21 figures. When displayed in the church sanctuary, a wooden stall built by a local parishioner was used. Parishioners were pleased with the colorful beauty of the repainted figures. Before they were restored, some of the statues were chipped and damaged. Mary had no hands; a shepherd was missing an arm; the donkey's ears were both missing, as was his snout. The angel's wings were damaged. Seeing them now in their place of honor in the church, they are "renewed". The Christ Child in the manger is the central figure of the set. Others commented on how the colors of the Magi Wisemen's robes, headgear and gifts for the Christ Child stood out in splendor.

The regular procession cross was transformed to a "Star of Bethlehem", for use in the Christmas processions. During Mass, the "star" on its pole was placed over the Bethlehem stable. A parishioner fashioned the star with battery powered lights on the points of the star. The significance of the "light of Christ" was not lost on the congregation and our guests and visitors at Christmas.

Our parish church was unlocked, lighted, and heated, during Christmas Day and several of the days of the octave (eight days) of Christmas. This was to allow parishioenrs and their holiday visitors and guests to come in and just admire the nativity set. The nativity set and the Christmas decorations will be removed on Sunday, January 10th, following the last Mass of the celebration of "The Baptism of Jesus Christ".