St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Toledo is honored to receive a remarkable gift from Carl and Anna Mae Bowles: a donation of 1,500 Nativity scenes collected over a lifetime. This extraordinary collection features handcrafted pieces from around the globe, made with highquality materials and representing a wide array of cultures and artistic styles.
The Bowles’ gift aligns perfectly with St. Paul’s longstanding tradition of hosting its annual Nativity Festival each December, a community event that draws visitors from across the region. The festival includes Sunday concerts at 4 p.m.: Academy Brass, December 7; Asteria String Quartet, December 14, and Siberian Solstice, December 21. Friday night “Carols and Cocktails” held in HeART Gallery features Tapestry: harp and guitar, December 5; Ben Delong Band, December 12, and Pemberville Sonfire Praise Band, December 19.
In addition to the Bowles’ extensive collection, guests will see additional Nativities staged among decorated trees and tablescapes for a glimpse into a vast global expression of the Nativity story. Young and old alike enjoy the pictoral scavenger hunt spread across nine rooms and four floors of the beautiful, historic building.
The public is invited to view the beauty, craftsmanship and cultural significance of the collection on Fridays and Sundays, between 4 and 7 p.m., December 5 to 21. Groups are welcome to visit at other prearranged times. Parking and admission are free, however donations are appreciated.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is at 428 North Erie Street, Toledo. For more information about the festival, contact Kate Philabaum at kate@stpaulstoledo.org.
