CHURCH TO HOLD LIVE NATIVITY SCENE

NEW HAMBURG -- It has been more than 150 years since the first Christmas, but members of the St. Lawrence parish are celebrating their sesquicentennial with a live nativity scene.

The nativity scene will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the church, along Route A in New Hamburg.

St. Lawrence Catholic Church is celebrating its sesquicentennial with activities throughout the year. The church was built sometime between 1847 and 1848, members say.

In addition to the live nativity, members have planned a mortgage-burning ceremony this month. The church recently completed a $300,000 remodeling project. Also, members will raffle a complete set of 1848 silver coins, valued at $1,000 as part of the sesquicentennial activities.