About 1,200 people turned out for the Canaan Baptist Church-Windsor Campus live nativity held Dec. 15 and Dec. 17, Pastor Bryan Davidson said.
The live nativity was supposed to be held on Dec. 16, too, but that night’s festivities were canceled because of rain.
“On Friday, we had about 750,” Davidson said. “On Sunday, we believe we had about 450.
“(The rain cancellation) was disappointing. We would have more come to experience it.”
The Imperial church, formerly known as Windsor Baptist Church, has held the live nativity each December for more than four decades.
Like most years, the 2023 presentation had congregation members, dressed in period clothing, portraying the nativity in a stable on a bluff behind the church, with live animals on the ground below. Various groups sang Christmas carols nearby.
The shepherd, Sarah of Barnhart, is one of many volunteers at the live nativity scene in Imperial.
Despite the cancellation on Dec. 16, the live nativity did its job of inspiring those who came to the church to see it, Davidson said.
“It was a positive experience,” he said. “It went well. We were thankful to be able to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ through the weekend.”
No fee was charged to view the live nativity. In addition, light refreshments, like coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and, new this year, s’mores, were served for free.
About 90 members of the congregation and other volunteers worked together to put on the live nativity scene, not only portraying the nativity, but also helping with parking and distributing the refreshments, Davidson said.
He said the congregation has no intention of ending its annual live nativity scene, which draws people from all around the St. Louis area.
“We plan to do it next year,” he said.
Windsor Baptist Church became Canaan Baptist Church-Windsor Campus in June 2023 and is affiliated with Canaan Baptist Church of Oakville. Members of Canaan Baptist Church of Oakville, as well as Canaan Baptist Church-Webster helped with the nativity.