In Ashtabula, Ohio, members of the Bethany Lutheran Church were met with a disheartening sight this week as they discovered their beloved Nativity display had been vandalized. The nearly life-sized exhibit, a staple of the community's holiday celebrations for many years, was found dismantled and strewn across the church grounds, prompting local authorities to initiate an investigation into the incident.
The custodian of the display for the past five years, Bob Oxley, initially suspected that the damage may have been caused by severe weather. However, upon closer examination, it became evident that the destruction was a deliberate act. "You could see the tire tracks coming in from the north, and we are 50 feet off the road," Oxley stated, as reported by The Blaze. It was deduced that the vandal or vandals made three passes over the display, with the final one causing irreparable damage to the lighting setup.
The Nativity scene, which spanned roughly 40 feet and was reinforced with conduit to endure the elements, was left in ruins. Oxley estimated that the losses amounted to approximately $1,500, accounting for the Nativity figures, replacement lights, and other materials.
Jackie Featsent, a longtime member of the church board, reflected on how the Nativity scene had flourished over the years. "The last couple of years, it just seemed so much bigger and nicer," she reminisced. Its visibility had increased, even from a block away on the main street, enhancing its prominence in the community.
The motives behind the vandalism deeply saddened Featsent. "It’s just so sad that somebody would have such hate for something that is supposed to bring joy," she said. Despite the apparent malice behind the act, Featsent highlighted the necessity of compassion, advocating for prayers for the perpetrators.
In the wake of the incident, the church is optimistic that surveillance footage from the vicinity may aid in identifying those responsible. Meanwhile, Oxley has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to collect donations for the reconstruction of the Nativity display and restoration of the lighting. The campaign has set a goal mirroring the estimated loss, aiming to continue a tradition cherished by the parish and local residents alike.
This event not only underscores the susceptibility of public holiday exhibits to vandalism but also the emotional toll such acts can have on a community. Bethany Lutheran Church, a mainstay in Ashtabula for decades, has had its Nativity as a symbol of the holiday spirit and a source of local pride.
While incidents like this are uncommon, they serve as a poignant reminder of the need to protect community traditions. They also showcase the tenacity of those who are dedicated to preserving these festive observances. Church leaders have committed to restoring the display and upholding the celebratory atmosphere, despite the intentional damage.
As the investigation proceeds, church members are concentrating on community solidarity and the maintenance of their cherished holiday custom. Through combined efforts of prayer, outreach, and the GoFundMe initiative, Bethany Lutheran Church aspires to rebuild the Nativity scene and ensure it remains a beacon of joy in the years ahead.
