Groveland Twp.-This Christmas, the star over the live nativity won’t be quite as high, the century old wooden rafters won’t creak when the wind blows and the essence of animal dung may not linger as in years past’yet the spirit of the season reflected in the live nativity will continue.
Despite a devastating fire that destroyed the 130-year-old Scramlin barn at 3694 Jossman Road, where for the past three decades the Mount Bethel United Methodist Church held their annual Christmas barn service’farm owners announced earlier this month the gathering will continue.
‘We had two other barn owners in the area offer to have the live nativity at their place,? said Marvin Scramlin, farm owner. ‘We all decided it’s just not going to work anyplace else but right here. The church is close by’and although it won’t be much like the old barn, right now it’s the best we can do under the circumstances.?
Scramlin said the feed barn adjacent to the old barn will be converted to accommodate the gathering.
‘I know people come out to just see the old barn,? said Scramlin. ‘The barn is just a little wider and constructed in the 1970s. It can hold just as many people as in the past.?
The cause of the Aug. 25 blaze, which reduced the historic 100-by-36 mostly wood structure built in 1878 to ashes, was never determined. The cleanup is mostly completed, with plans for a new barn set to begin in the spring, said Scramlin.
‘The Holly Choir is going to sing and there’s lots for the children to check out with all the animals,? said Scramlin. ‘It’s the traditional Christmas story with the old songs’in a barn setting. That’s the best way.?
Two performances are scheduled for 3 and 5 p.m., Dec. 7, at the Scramlin Farms.Details: 248-627-6700.