Few parishioners know the history of the beautifully restored crèche by the elevator though it has been a Christ Church treasure for 46 years. It was donated to the church in 1976 by Mrs. D. Bruce Moyer, an aunt of parishioner Peggy Young, whom many remember.

The eleven crèche figures, which Mrs. Moyer purchased in Paris, are 18th century Neopolitan Baroque and are the same vintage as the more than 200 figures displayed annually in the crèche at the base and in the branches of the Metropolitan Museum of New York Christmas tree. The Christ Church figures were displayed annually from 1976 until 1995, when Peggy Young initiated their removal for restoration.

The extensive restoration was spearheaded by Christ Church Historian Lynn Garelick and completed in 2005, thanks to Lynn, her talented Restoration Team of eleven people and the generosity of several parishioners. It involved restoring the figures, replacing the clothes with appropriate fabrics and constructing a new display case exhibiting a realistic setting for the Nativity. In addition to recruiting and directing skilled craftsmen and parishioners, Lynn hand sewed most of the new garments, which, except for the Holy Family’s clothing, are typical of 18th century Neopolitan tradesmen’s attire. Many of the figures were chipped or missing small parts and had to be delicately repaired. Almost 400 hundred hours were spent restoring the figures alone.

The original setting was unusable and was replaced by the elegant mahogany and glass five feet by three feet by four feet high case which displays the Nativity in a three sided glass panel at eye level with a glass top panel. The rustic outdoor  Palestinian scene is created by a painted backdrop with a  three dimensional stone wall,  a lean-to tent and a raised plateau. Lynn designed the case and setting and directed the placement of the eleven figures.

The restored crèche was presented on  December 17, 2005 in the chapel and was received with great appreciation by parishioners. Linn Howard, daughter of Loretta Hines Howard who donated the Neapolitan Baroque crèche to the Metropolitan Museum and an authority on the subject, was guest speaker at the event.

Emily Ragsdale