By Ruth Walter, Co-Chair, Bronxville Christmas Pageant Committee
Jan. 13, 2016: The annual Bronxville Christmas Pageant was held on Christmas Eve on the hillside in front of The Reformed Church of Bronxville. An unusually warm evening and a full moon made the event particularly lovely. Last year was the pageant's 100th anniversary.
Angels and shepherds joined the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men for the living nativity. Rounding out the tableau were two sheep, a donkey, and the return of a very popular camel, led by Dan Johnson.
Seven ministers from different churches in Bronxville read Biblical stories of the birth of Jesus while Dale Walker led the carol-singing, which was backed by a brass quartet.
Joanne Daddario rang the tower bells and Maryann Palermo led the Invisible Choir. The crowd was estimated at 400.
After the pageant, children swarmed the lawn to pet the animals and to see the crèche scene close up.
A news crew was on hand to record the event; you can see the clip here: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/12/24/bronxville-residents-celebrate-century-old-nativity-scene-tradition
To see photos, click here: Bronxville Village Christmas Pageant 2015.
Cast:
Mary: Celia Haims
Joseph: Bobby Martin
Manger Angel: Bella Rodriguez
Wise Men: Paul Shoemaker, Tim McGrath, and Tom Nichols
Shepherds: Preston Klimley, Graham Klimley, Andrew Lemberger, and Dan Johnson (among others)
Shepherd Boys: Liam Sands and Peter McSherry
Angels:
Ansley Jones--Tower
Megan Ferrone--Tower
Kathleen Conaton--Center box
Grace Stephens--Box
Hilary Rizzo--Box
Sabina Richter
Emily Spitz
Eva Cagliostro
Caroline Spitz
Lucy Rizzo
Grace Randall
Pictured here: The Nativity scene on Christmas Eve 2015.
Photos in link courtesy Margaret Conaton
Christ Church Bronxville
Christ Church Bronxville, or "CCBNY" as it's known in the community, is the village's Episcopal church, whose beginnings date back to 1898. The current church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was completed in 1926 and was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, who also designed St. Bartholomew's in New York City and the Chapel at West Point.
CCBNY offers a wide array of programs to its parishioners, who live throughout southern Westchester. The acclaimed music program boasts five choirs; international outreach efforts to Cuba; and education and service programs for family members of all ages. CCBNY is also home to the renowned children's music program Young at Arts (http://www.youngatartsny.org), and Eliza Corwin Frost (www.elizafrostschool.org), a nursery school for children ages 1 to 5.
Our services are as follows:
8:00AM Rite I Spoken Eucharist
10:00AM Family Choral Eucharist, with 11:00 AM Coffee Hour
5:00PM Informal Eucharist or Choral Evensong
"No matter where you are on your spiritual journey there is a home for you at Christ Church. Our worship, music, education and outreach challenge us to embrace holiness and fearlessly share Christ's love."
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church was organized in 1854. Its mission is “to reach out as a caring and Christ centered Church to people of all culture and races, helping them to know God and find fellowship with each other through Jesus Christ to the glory of God.”
407 New Rochelle Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-2560
http://www.firstbaptistchurchbronxville.com/
Reformed Church of Bronxville
The Reformed Church of Bronxville is the community church in the heart of the village. We welcome people of all faiths and persuasions to be a part of our church family. We have exciting programs to meet your interests including music and the arts, service and outreach, children's ministry and a wonderful Nursery School.
Starting Sept. 7th, we have three Sunday services held at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. A Fellowship Coffee Hour is offered after the 10:30 am service. Childcare is available during our 10:30 am service along with Church School classes for children from 2 years old through the 8th grade.
The Reformed Church
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-6776
www.reformedchurch.org
St. Joseph’s Church
St. Joseph Church, which opened its doors in 1925, is the Catholic Church in Bronxville. It offers services on Saturday, Sunday, weekdays and Holy Days. It offers a religious education program for K - 8th grade which takes place on Wednesday during the school year. It also offers a myriad of opportunities for parishioners to meet, share ideas and experiences and help others. The St. Joseph’s School offers classes for K – 8th grade.
15 Cedar Street
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-1660
http://www.saintjosephsbronxville.org/
Village Lutheran Church
The Village Lutheran Church “is a ministry of word and sacraments. This ministry gives opportunities for witness, nurture, fellowship, stewardship and service.” The Chapel School, which goes from pre-school three-year olds through 8th grade, is an integral part of the Church’s ministry for children.
172 White Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-0207
West Center Congregational Church
West Center Congregational Church is a member of The United Church of Christ. It welcomes “all who seek to find, know and serve the living God better in all they are and do.”
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3829
Sinai Free Synagogue
Sinai Free Synagogue is Westchester`s "newest" Reform congregation but its roots go back almost 100 years. Formed in 1999 by a merger of Mount Vernon`s Sinai Temple (founded in 1906 and the first Reform congregation in Westchester County) and the Free Synagogue of Westchester (founded in 1927), the 250-member congregation has a long, distinguished history.
Please check the Calendar for dates and times.
550 North Columbus Avenue
914-664-1727