Area country churches deck the halls for two-day tour

Churches from across Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties will be decorated in their holiday finest for the sixth annual Christmas Country Church Tour Thursday and Friday.

Organizer Janet Fiedler said the 24 churches are more than 100 years old and showcase their decorations and features.

"Each church takes special pride and care in making it beautiful for the Christmas season," she said. "Some churches have wonderfully old nativities or ornaments from their original structures. Some take great pride in their architecture, renovations or entirely new buildings."

Tours are self-guided, but hosts are available to provide information about the church and its special features. Written histories of each church are available to guests.

Fiedler said the church tour is a great way for guests to take a step back from the busy holiday season.

"What makes it so meaningful is the easygoing schedule each person takes through beautiful countryside without the frantic feeling of most holiday events," she said. Some churches will have live music and refreshments.

Fiedler cautions guests against trying to visit all the churches in one evening because they are far apart. She said hitting all 24 churches across three counties could get stressful and people won't be able to enjoy each church.

Churches will be open for tours from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. There is no cost to tour the churches, but donations are accepted at each church.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Participating churches

*Peace Lutheran Church, Friedenberg (County Road 302)

*Zion Lutheran Church, Longtown (6483 S. U.S 61)

*Grace Lutheran Church, Uniontown (53 Grace Lane)

*St. Joseph Catholic Church, Apple Creek (St. Joseph Lane)

*St. Maurus Catholic Church, Biehle (10198 Route B)

*Trinity Lutheran Church, Friedheim (3700 County Road 415)

*Zion United Methodist Church, KK near Old Appleton (151 Zion Church Road -- parsonage)

*First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge (4154 Route E)

*New Salem Methodist Church, Daisy

*Sargent's Chapel, (Route B to Route AA 266 to 234)

*Caney Fork Baptist Church, off Hwy B (County Road 472)

*St. John's United Church of Christ, Fruitland (781 Route FF)

*St. John's Lutheran Church, Pocahontas (158 Little St.)

*Zion Lutheran Church, Pocahontas (286 Main St.)

*Trinity Lutheran Church, Shawneetown (175 Shawneetown Road)

*Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Wells (320 County Road 516)

*Trinity Lutheran Church, Altenburg (57 Church St.)

*Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altenburg (8234 Main St.)

*Concordia Lutheran Church, Frohna (10172 Route C)

*Brazeau Presbyterian Church, Brazeau (Church Lane)

*Salem Lutheran Church, Farrar (299 County Road 328)

*Zion Lutheran Church, Crosstown (21202 Route C)

*St. James Catholic Church, Crosstown (21694 Route C)

*Bethlehem Baptist Church, Crosstown (160 County Road 350)