TIPP CITY — No trip to Tipp City’s upcoming “Christmas in the Village” on Dec. 7 would be complete without visiting the “village church.” The century-plus old sanctuary that once housed St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and is now home to CrossRoads Christian Fellowship, will be decked out in a vintage Currier and Ives holiday motif, with a number of unique displays that harken back to holidays of yesteryear.
The church is a stop on the Holiday Home Tour trolley that will be taking visitors between the downtown and the tour streets of Broadway and Sixth Street.
“Our beautiful sanctuary and fellowship hall will be bathed in a winter wonderland of lights, holiday greenery, Christmas Trees and a for-real antique ‘one horse open sleigh,’” said Pastor Jim Valekis.
Valekis invited visitors to “step back in time 100 years to a Christmas of yesterday, and you’ll get to see a collection of 17th and 18th century working grandfather clocks loaned to us for the celebration by the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors).”
The Pastor noted that CrossRoads will also host a Country Classics Furniture Collections Display, a rare public display of the master woodworking of local furniture craftsman and artisan Chris Bayman.
Another special activity on Dec. 7 is the presence of the One Bistro food truck. One Bistro is a unique “pay it forward concept” based in Miamisburg that offers gourmet food at whatever price people can afford to pay. The One Bistro concept works to bring people together with those who can help them meet challenges, overcome addiction, find answers, etc. “Their food is amazing,” Valekis said. “And their vision of people giving each other a hand-up, not a hand out, is very inspiring.”
Also featured at the church throughout the Dec. 7 tour day will be an enchanted forest of stuffed animals, ginger bread people, and costumed carolers, ready to spread some Christmas cheer. Children are encouraged to come visit the fun and festive display.
The vocal talents of the Wright State Men’s Chorale will also help visitors get into the spirit of the season.
“And last, but hopefully not least: Our first ever attempt to project the Sistine Chapel onto our arched chapel ceiling through the magic of digital wizardy,” Valekis said, adding that “We invite you to bring your whole family and celebrate family holiday traditions and the warmth of a small-town Christmas. ”
The church will also provide holiday treats as well as access to public restrooms. Additionally, visitors will have a chance to win a 47” flat screen television just for attending.
Individuals who wish to purchase tickets to the 2013 home tour may do so at www.downtowntippcity.org or on facebook at Facebook/ChristmasInTheVillage. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on tour day. For more information, go to www.TippChristmas.org.
“Whether you are a home tour ticket holder or not, you are welcome and invited to stop in for a bright and beautiful tribute to the holidays of yesteryear,” Valekis said.
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