Bronxville's Annual Christmas Pageant Was Magical
By Caroline Palermo
Jan. 12, 2022: The Bronxville Village Christmas Pageant began in 1914 when Arthur Lawrence, a prominent local resident, saw the need to build community solidarity at the onset of World War I. This cherished tradition continues to this day, as community members and religious leaders gather on Christmas Eve at The Reformed Church of Bronxville to recreate the Christmas story.
In a time of great uncertainty, Mr. Lawrence believed the Pageant would build solidarity in the community. As many witnessed this past Christmas Eve, the Pageant continues to create unity as it drew community members of all ages to commemorate the Christmas story on the hillside of The Reformed Church.
The Pageant began as Mary, portrayed by Cate Spitz, accompanied by Joseph, portrayed by Daniel Reilly, recreated the trek to Bethlehem with their donkey and were greeted by the manger angel, portrayed by Emma Boyce. The shepherds tending their sheep arrived soon after, together with the Wise Men, portrayed by Tim McGrath, Kevin McNeil, and Dr. Thomas Romo. Several Bronxville High School students portraying angels kept watch over the manger.
A tradition of the Pageant, the clergy from seven Bronxville Churches read the biblical stories of Christmas to the assembled crowd. In addition, Sarah and Grace Winant, both Bronxville High School alumnae, sang the traditional carols, accompanied by the Brass of Bronxville Pops concert band.
The Pageant also marked David Oelerking’s 60th year of singing with the Invisible Choir. He is already looking forward to Christmas of 2022, saying, “God willing, I will be there!”
To many, the Pageant represents a community tradition that was sorely missed when the 2020 Pageant was canceled due to the Covid pandemic. Many participants view the return of the Pageant as a testament to the spirit of Bronxville Village and the efforts of all those who work to bring the Pageant to us annually. Co-Chair of the 2021 Pageant Committee, Jennifer McGrath found this year’s event to be somewhat nostalgic, noting “The pageant has been a way to unite the community since it first began and it was wonderful to be able to bring our Village back together this year. After all of the Covid disruptions, witnessing the spirit of Christmas once again on The Reformed Church hillside was indeed magical.”
The Pageant relies on the generosity of the community to fulfill its commitments and is funded entirely by donations. To contribute, you may send your donation to the Bronxville Christmas Pageant, P.O. Box 397, Bronxville, NY or you may click here to be taken to the Pageant’s GoFundMe link to make a donation.
Religion Directory
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."
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3544
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
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