Southeast Missouri historic churches ready for festive tour

Many of us enjoy the festive decoration this time of year. When the decorations are combined with a historic building, there is even more to appreciate.

The 10th Annual Christmas Country Church Tour begins today and continues Friday with more than two dozen churches in Southeast Missouri.

The tour is held from 3 to 9 p.m. both days, and visitors are welcome to start at any of the locations where maps will be available.

New this year is the Log Cabin College at the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum in Altenburg and St. Mary's of the Barrens Church and the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville.

According to a story earlier this month in the Southeast Missourian, a couple of highlights include the Concordia Lutheran Choir practice at 7:30 tonight and the Perry County Lutheran Chorale concert about 5 p.m. Friday. at Concordia.

Some of the churches also will have refreshments.

A full list of churches includes: St. Mary's of the Barrens Catholic/Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville; Peace Lutheran Church in Friedenberg; Zion Lutheran Church in Longtown; Grace Lutheran Church in Uniontown; St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple Creek; St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle; Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedheim; New Salem Methodist Church in Daisy; First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge; Sargent's Chapel Lutheran Church in Sedgewickville; Caney Fork Baptist Church near Millersville; St. John's United Church of Christ in Fruitand (Friday only); Pleasant Hil Presbyterian in Fruitland; Apple Creek Presbyterian in Pocahontas (Friday only); St. John's Lutheran Church in Pocahontas; Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas; Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawneetown; Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells; Lutheran Heritage Center and Log Cabin College in Altenburg; Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg; Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altenburg; Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna; Brazeau Presbyterian Church in Brazeau; Salem Lutheran Church in Farrar; Bethlehem Baptist Church in Crosstown; Zion United Methodist Church near Old Appleton.

Thank you to each of these churches for opening their doors and participating in a fun Christmas tradition.