Written By Olena Riznyk
PARKHILL – From Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24, Grace Bible Chapel in Parkhill hosted a unique and heartwarming event that drew over 300 visitors. The church opened its doors to display over 200 Nativity scenes from around the world, offering a rare opportunity to witness the diversity of global Christmas traditions in one location.
Conway’s passion for collecting these unique pieces began years ago, and she shared the joy of owning and curating these treasures. “We have about 250 Nativities here,” she explained. “Many have come from Grace Chapel, but many are also from my own collection. Some were brought to me by friends and family from their travels.”
The diversity of the Nativity scenes was truly remarkable. From intricate carvings made of olive wood from Bethlehem to delicate palm leaf designs from Zambia, each display was a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of artisans across the globe. Conway highlighted several pieces from her collection, such as a cork Nativity from Portugal—a material representing nearly 90% of the world’s cork production—and a striking olive wood set from Bethlehem. She expressed her excitement about the displays, saying, “I get so excited when I see these. It’s incredible how people in different parts of the world use what they have to make something so beautiful.”
A significant portion of the collection was sourced from Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade organization that supports artisans from over 35 countries. “I love Ten Thousand Villages because it represents so many communities around the world,” Conway said. “They bring in crafts from developing countries and sell them at fair trade prices. It’s a wonderful way to support global artisans.”
In addition to showcasing the Nativities, the event also served as a platform to support the local community. Guests were invited to bring donations for the food bank, and many participated in this charitable aspect of the event. Conway expressed her gratitude for the generosity of attendees, remarking: “People have been wonderful in bringing donations for the food bank. It’s heartwarming to see how this community comes together to help others.”
The event proved to be a resounding success, and Conway expressed her hope that it would become a regular tradition. “I love sharing these beautiful Nativities with others,” she said. “Every year, more people bring their own pieces, and it’s exciting to see the collection grow. It’s a reminder of how Christmas connects us all.”
