Tour Detour

Week One Hundred and Twenty - The Spirit of Christmas

Off The Tour this week, which isn't to say that I didn't go to church.  On the contrary, I did go to church - several of them, in fact.  I was lucky enough this week to win two tickets to The Spirit of Christmas Tour offered by American Legacy Tours.  Offered on selected Saturday mornings in December, this particular tour is a two-hour stroll through the Gateway Quarter of Over-the-Rhine, highlighting a few of the many churches there.  The perfect weather on Saturday and our open schedule made it a no-brainer for me and my husband to put our winnings to good use, and what a treat it was! 

Among the active parishes our group visited were the First Lutheran Church on Race Street (where I got to ring the church bell!), Nast Trinity United Methodist Church,  Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and Saint Francis Seraph and Friary.  Saint Francis definitely was the highlight of the tour, not just as far as the beauty of the church's sanctuary, but because the brothers welcomed us into their private residence.  There, we could wander at our own pace, discovering treasures around every corner - a miniature Dickens village in their dining room, a hallway lined with nativity sets from around the world, a room overflowing with Santas, countless beautifully decorated Christmas trees.  In a beautiful inner courtyard (Are we really in Over-the-Rhine?), we found a model train layout set up by one of the brothers.  Also outside, a nativity scene complete with live goats, sheep, and miniature donkeys was open to the public.  In between these churches, we also stopped at a few that have closed and are being restored and/or renovated for other uses.    

Beyond the physical beauty of each of these churches, however, the tour emphasized the spiritual beauty of what each of these parishes is doing on a daily basis.  Supplying clothing, food, prepared meals, and educational and legal assistance are just a few of the services offered by these good people.  Often struggling to stay afloat themselves - Prince of Peace has only nine registered members, these churches truly are an inspiration in the work they do in an area so desperate for it.  The title of the tour couldn't be more appropriate. 

Hopefully back on track next week.  Until then, I'll leave you with this unbelievable little gem learned on the tour - the traditions of Hanukkah started in Cincinnati.  Google it.  It's true.