Old Ford Church once interrupted their 15-year tradition, an annual Christmas panorama of the life and times of Jesus Christ.
If the 700 to 1,000 visitors of the panorama didn’t tell organizers how popular the event was, the number of complaints the church received when they took 2010 off did.
“We took a break after 15 years and had complaints because it had become part of their family ritual,” said Old Ford Minister Eddie Bowen. “We have people from all over that come to see us.”
The panorama is a free drive-thru viewing of 16 biblical scenes featuring live animals and about 150 actors. Two hundred luminaries light the drive as holiday music plays.
Bowen’s favorite scene is the one he and his wife once acted. They were Joseph and a pregnant Mary travelling with a donkey.
Most of the scenes cover the birth of Christ, but Bowen said other big moments in his life are included.
The panorama will be open Wednesday through Friday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Two of last year’s nights were rained out. More than 700 people made it in the single night that was left.
Bowen recommended coming after 8 p.m. on one of the school nights for the shortest wait.
He said people should expect to see the miracle of Christmas.
“It is unique because it is a drive-thru,” Bowen said. “And if you go really slowly and listen to the music, it’s a beautiful reminder of the reason for the season.”
Old Ford Church of Christ is located at 6040 U.S. Highway 17 North, five miles north of downtown Washington. Those attending the panorama are asked to enter and exit at the rear of the church on N.C. Highway 171. Attendants will be on hand to direct traffic and greet visitors.
For more information, call 252-946-5883.