A church nativity scene destroyed by vandals at an Ipswich church has been rebuilt – thanks to the kindness of volunteers.
Worshippers at All Saints Church, in Chevallier Street, were devasted when the church’s annual nativity scene was smashed to pieces just four days after the display was unveiled in early December.
However, the community has come together and rebuilt it even bigger and better than before.
The Revd Danny Morrison said: “Some of our congregation members volunteered to repair and replace the figures and we have an extra sheep on its way to be added to the display as well. We are not giving up. I am thankful for the generosity of the people who have given their time to give something to the community. I’d like to say a big thank you to Duncan and Kathy Cubitt, Keith Chamberlain, Ben Formesyn, my wife Ary and son Michael for all their hard work".
The annual nativity display has been a familiar sight at All Saints Church for the past five years. Creating the nativity images is time consuming but not expensive as it is made using paper and plastics shaped on a wooden structure, all using recycled materials.The display reminds those in the community of the story and where it all began. News of the vandalism was a shock to the community but has united them in their efforts to rebuild it.
Danny adds, "We were shocked the display was so violently damaged. But now we are saddened and praying for the people who have done this.”.
Following the incident, video footage was sent to police in the hope of finding those responsible and The Revd Morrison said the church had upgraded its CCTV system to protect the display in the future. “This is just a deterrent – to be on the safe side – so that this does not happen again,” he said.