St Thomas’s Church in Salisbury City Centre is spreading some joy this Christmas and is home to a giant crib scene.
Rev'd Canon Kelvin Inglis, Rector of the City Centre Parish Church in Salisbury had the inspiration in October for a new Nativity Crib as a focus of hope in a difficult time.
Rector Kelvin Inglis said: "We can’t put on big set-piece services this Christmas. So we have re-arranged all our seating and built a giant crib scene instead. In a particularly bleak midwinter, we hope visitors and passers-by alike will draw comfort from it. It shines like a beacon of hope in the darkness."
The Nativity crib at St Thomas's Church in Salisbury Picture by Robert Lewis, Head Verger
"Everyone has had their lives turned upside down this year and it has been horrible. We have not stopped praying for all the people of the city in their need. The crib reminds us that love and beauty and goodness will prevail over all that diminishes us," added Canon Inglis.
The life sized nativity scene stands at the centre of the recently reordered church.
Skilled craftsmen were employed to carve the stable, the full height figures and the manger.
Picture by Robert Lewis, Head Verger
The craftsmen who created the scene were up against the clock as Advent progressed and the last king almost missed out and was not placed until Tuesday (December 22).
It will remain in place throughout the Christmas season until Candlemas on February 2.
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