Record crowds turn out for the annual creche exhibit

The annual Creche Exhibit in Mountain Home drew a record number of visitors to the LDS Stake Center, where 713 nativity displays were set up for the public to view.

More than 1,000 people viewed the displays, all provided from private collections.

"As usual, the response from the community was very good," said Lynn Blethen, one of the organizers, among the 200 volunteers who helped put on the exhibit.

"I was very pleased to learn that clergy of other faiths have encouraged their members to attend the exhibit. I've heard of this particularly from Rev. Truman Parker, of the First Congregational Church, who is very supportive, and also Rev. Gary Allen, of the Christian and Baptist Church. We are so glad when we receive this support from other churches.

"This helps us know that our 'Gift of Love' to the community is being received, and that others realize we are giving it with no 'strings attached'."

Choirs from several churches in the community took part in providing music for the exhibit.

"We do no proseletyzing at this event, nor do we collect any addresses, etc., from those who attend," Blethen said. "Our only desire is that this Annual Creche Exhibit will help others share our joy in the birth and life and works of the Lord, Jesus Christ."

She also thanked stake president Melvin R. Chick for his support, noting that he was among the volunteers who helped set up the event, and acted as one of the hosts helping visitors find their way through the church gym and side rooms where the displays were set up. More than 200 volunteers helped set up the exhibit, served as hostesses or helped clean up afterwards.

"As one could only imagine, set-up for this exhibit is lengthy, and a bit chaotic at times," Blethen said.

This year we had help from youth gathered in from the Mountain Home, Grand View, Featherville and Glenns Ferry areas in the "pre-set-up." They cleaned, moved furnishings from the display rooms, set up tables and backdrops, etc.

"However, when it's time to set up the Nativities and add the beautiful finishing touches that Julie Vogl and her helpers put into the display, only the adults are allowed in the building.

"When that work is done, the stantions and ropes go up to keep the crowds back from the beautiful exhibits. Then we're ready to welcome visitors of all ages to our Annual Creche Exhibit.

"One of the most delightful things for me about putting on this Exhibit -- besides the enjoyment I get of studying the individual nativities at close range while helping with the set-up -- is the reaction of those who attend.

"Two lovely ladies told me they love to come to the event every year and find the peace and beauty difficult to leave. 'I could just sit in the chapel and soak in the music and the peace of the surroundings all day,' one of them exclaimed to me.

"The work we put into this Creche Exhibit is meant to be enjoyed by all, so I love hearing that we're succeeding.

"The musical presentations were also a great success this year" Blethen added. "As usual, there were large crowds on hand to listen to the MHHS Jazz Choir and the First Congregational Church Hand Bell Choir. We love having these groups come to perform and encourage other groups in our community to participate as well.

"Other groups that drew large audiences were the Children's Choir and the Youth Choir. It was wonderful to hear their sweet voices singing praises of the Christ Child.

"The presentation of 'The Christmas Messiah'," (an abbreviated version of Handel's "Messiah"), "was a great success as well. In fact, we are planning to present it twice during next year's Annual Creche Exhibit, due to the positive response we received this year."