Nativity sets from around the world, Mepkin Abbey products, art books and more.Join us for the 2011 Mepkin Abbey Creche Festival
You are invited to a special exhibit of Nativity Sets from around the world featuring local collectors and artists, and new donations to the Abbey Collection including: the collections of Bob and Mary Kopchains, John and Norma Palms, Charlie and Mary Ellen Way Frances Anderson and original work by Carolyn Thiedke, Peggie L. Hartwell-Hackmer, Jeff Kopish, Angel Allen, and Katherine Battle.
This year we will feature The Crèche Store in the St. Luke’s Gallery. Here you will experience yet another exhibit of unique crèches from around the world, which are available for sale while they last! We invite you to consider these as well as other distinctive products available in the Abbey Store for your Christmas shopping.
There is no admission charge for the exhibit. Donations are encouraged to help build the collection and cover exhibition costs. Due to space and time limitations, however, pre-registration is required for the exhibit. Tours will begin at the Abbey Store.
Register Online
There will be no tours of the monastery and Church during the Crèche Festival. We invite you to come at another time for this informative tour.
Individuals and small groups under 10:
November 14,15,16,17, 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, and 27, 2011
Large groups more than 10 and Motor Coach Tours:
November 28, 29, 30 and December 1, 2, and 3.
Download Creche Brochure
What is a Creche?
A creche is a representation of the infant Jesus in the manger, typically surrounded by the figures found in a nativity set. Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, animals and shepherds are often included in the scenes. Visitors from around the country flock to Mepkin Abbey for an incredible display of unique, handmade nativity sets from around the world. Mepkin’s Abbey’s Creche Festival is a Lowcountry holiday tradition! The monks transform their conference center into a forest of trees and candles which serve as the backdrop for the Nativity sets.
(DVD) Nativity: The Art And Spirit Of The Creche
After the cross, the Nativity scene is Christianity’s most recognized symbol. Its history, art and spirituality have been embraced by cultures around the world for nearly two thousand years. This video unites theologians and collectors with an astonishing and beautiful array of nativity scenes collected from across the globe.
Available for sale in our store!
During the Festival, we are offering a complimentary copy of the DVD the Nativity with a minimum $100 purchase.
"Brothers, let us hasten to the Lord’s manger crib, but as far as we can let us first prepare ourselves by his grace to approach it. Then, in the company of the angels, with pure heart, a good conscience and unfeigned faith, let us sing to the Lord in the whole of our life and our monastic conversion: Glory to God in the highest and peace to all of good will."
