Members of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ashtabula, Ohio, were left in shock this week after discovering that their nearly life-size Nativity display had been deliberately destroyed.
The scene, a cherished holiday tradition for years, was found scattered across the church grounds, prompting authorities to open an investigation.
Bob Oxley, who has cared for the display for five years, initially thought strong winds may have caused the damage. Upon closer inspection, he realized the destruction was intentional.
“You could see the tire tracks coming in from the north, and we are 50 feet off the road,” Oxley explained, according to The Blaze. “They came through one time, wiped it out, came through a second time, wiped it out again.” Oxley noted that three separate passes were made across the site, with the final pass damaging the display’s lighting.
The Nativity, which stretched approximately 40 feet and was secured with conduit to withstand wind, was completely ruined.
Oxley estimated the total damage at around $1,500, covering the cost of the display, replacement lighting and additional materials.
Jackie Featsent, a long-time member of the church board, described the scene’s growth over recent years.
“The last couple of years, it just seemed so much bigger and nicer,” she said. “Bob had it spread out, added extra lighting. You could see it from the main drag another block over. It really stood out.”
Featsent expressed deep sorrow at the motives behind the attack.
“It’s just so sad that somebody would have such hate for something that is supposed to bring joy,” she said. “Why would somebody have such hate to do something like that? I can’t understand it.”
Despite the frustration, she emphasized compassion, urging prayers for the person or persons responsible.
“All I know for sure is we need to pray for their soul. It’s going to be hard, but that’s what we have to do,” Featsent said.
The church hopes that nearby surveillance cameras may help authorities identify those responsible for the vandalism.
In the meantime, Oxley launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to rebuild the display and restore the lighting.
The campaign indicates that replacing the Nativity scene, including shipping and setup, will cost roughly $1,500.
Community members have been encouraged to donate, helping preserve a tradition that brings joy to both parishioners and passersby.
The incident underscores how vulnerable public holiday displays can be to acts of vandalism and the emotional impact such destruction can have on communities.
For decades, Bethany Lutheran Church has been a fixture in Ashtabula, with its Nativity display serving as a visible symbol of the season and a point of pride for local residents.
While rare, events like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding local traditions.
They also highlight the resilience of those committed to keeping these celebrations alive. The church’s leadership has vowed to restore the display and maintain the festive spirit, even in the face of deliberate attacks.
As the investigation continues, church members remain focused on community support and the preservation of their holiday tradition.
Through prayer, outreach and the GoFundMe initiative, Bethany Lutheran hopes to rebuild the Nativity scene and ensure it continues to bring joy for years to come.
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