‘No Room in the Inn’ features numerous Nativity scenes

GRINNELL — “No Room in the Inn” was the theme of the Nativity display at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grinnell Friday, Dec. 5.

The event has been held since 2008 except for a couple of years during COVID. It features numerous Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.

Some were American based, and others featured Nativity scenes from other countries. Some where big and featured elaborate displays while others were simple and brought peace and comfort.

While milling around the room, guests enjoyed the various nativities and reading the stories that went with them. Some in attendance enjoyed hot coffee or juice and cookies.

Doris Hotchkin, who helps host the yearly event, recalled a Nativity scene on display from few years back.

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While looking at the various nativities that year, she noticed one that was, in her words, rough around the edges.

“It had a story with it, and I read it,” said Hotchkin.

She said when the couple got married they didn’t have a Nativity scene because they couldn’t afford it. The wife went to the dime store and bought one piece of the Nativity scene each year.

“Each piece had been 10 cents” said Hotchkin. “Reading the story made it the best piece in the display because of the story.”

Another couple at the Nativity display was Doug and Megan DeJong, of Grinnell.

“It is very calm and peaceful,” said Doug. “The music is beautiful.”

“It is nice to see the Nativity scenes,” said Megan. “They show a different side of the common businesses of Christmas.”

“It is amazing to see all the Nativity scenes from all over the world,” Doug said.

“It is just amazing,” said Megan. “I’m excited to bring ours next year.” Megan said her grandpa made the manger scene.

The St. Mary’s Social Action Committee hosts the Nativity program.

“We invite all area churches to bring nativities to display,” said Connis Dayton, community chairman at the church.

Attendees are asked to make a donation to see the Nativity scenes. Fifty percent of the funds raised goes to St. Josephs Emergency Family Shelter in Des Moines; 25% goes to MICA Food Pantry in Grinnell; and 25% goes to Brooklyn, Grinnell and Montezuma Ministerial Associations to help local and transient homeless and near homeless people.

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“It’s been a way to bring churches in Grinnell and the surrounding area together to celebrate the birth of Jesus ,” said Carolyn Grosenbach, of Grinnell.

“It is a very nice event,” said Sharon Mealey. “I look forward to coming and enjoying the nativities each year.”

“It’s very well received by the public,” said Tommalou Jay, of Grinnell.