Journey to Bethlehem marks milestone at Hitts Chapel Church

Against the beauty of Crowley's Ridge, Mary and Joseph seek lodging as part of the "Journey to Bethlehem" at Hitts Chapel General Baptist Church north of Piggott. The live nativity will be staged for the public for the 25th year in a row this weekend.
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From that first December in 1985, when the display was just a single stable scene, the live nativity has grown into a full-blown production that includes over two dozen people in costume, 8-10 live animals, four parking attendants and another half-dozen or so church members to tend the welcome center. Another half-dozen or so parishioners also take on the task of feeding all those workers prior to the start of each evening's production.

The 25th edition of "Journey to Bethlehem" will be going on from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 18, 19 and 20. The church is located at the end of North Fourth Street at the end of the pavement. Motorists should turn north on North Fourth from U.S. Highway 62 between the Piggott Fire Station and the Family Medical Clinic.

The live nativity first began as a project by the young adult class of the church in 1985 at the urging of Steve Crowson. He was instrumental in getting the effort started, and served as director the first two years.

In 1987 Crowson handed the reins over to Mike Travillian and with help from his wife Ann he's served as director in the years since. It was also in 1987 that the plywood camels and inn scenes were added. That year the event also set their all-time attendance record, while the 2002 event was the second-most attended in the history of the effort.

The following December Crowson passed away just five days before the start of the event and the 1988 live nativity effort was dedicated to his memory. In the years since it has continued to grow in popularity, with many visitors continuing to return year-after-year.

In December of 2001 the church adopted the name "Journey to Bethlehem" and the live nativity expanded from three scenes to the current seven. The walk-through scenes now chronicle the full Christmas story from Isaiah's prophecy to the final stable scene of Christ's birth.

The event draws over 500 guests each year and organizers estimate that over 12,000 people have visited the live nativity over the course of the past 24 years.

There is no charge for admission to the "Journey to Bethlehem." Those wanting more information may call the church at 870-598-2595 or contact Pastor Charles Richardson at 870-634-6853.