Nativity Set : A Special Mercy Tradition

The antique German nativity set is also once again on display outside the MMC Library in a display case across from the Sisters panel of the Hallmarks of History.  

In years past, this nativity set was displayed in the MMC cafeteria.  It is now part of the Mercy Archives.  The hand-painted nativity set was rediscovered at the back of a little-used closet of the old hospital in 1980, and is now proudly displayed behind the glass protection of a display case. 

The Nativity set was quite old and in sad condition when it was first found.  However the loving hands of volunteer Dolly Pahlow, set to work attaching broken pieces and even recreating an angel’s wing.  She spent months patching and painting the 20 figures in their original colors with the encouragement of former food service director, Bob Brennan. 

Read the following newspaper articles for more info about this local treasure. 

Mercy VolunteerRestores Figurse for Nativity Scene – 1985  and Restoration Project is aLabor of Love (pdf)

Nativity Set Gets NewLife - 1992 (pdf)

Nativity Set a Mercy Holiday Tradition

A special piece of Mercy Medical Center's history has found a place of honor this holiday season.    A hand-painted nativity set that was rediscovered at the back of a little-used closet of the old hospital in 1980, is now proudly displayed behind the glass protection of a display case.

The nativity set was quite old and in sad condition when it was first found.  However, the loving hands of Volunteer Dolly Pahlow set to work attaching broken pieces and even recreating an angel wing when needed.  She spent months patching and painting the 20 figures in their original colors with the encouragement of former food service director, Bob Brennan.

In the years since, the manger scene has traditionally been displayed in the open in the cafeteria at both the old and new Mercy Medical Center Buildings.  It is currently on display in one of the Hallmarks of Mercy display cases, outside The Clark Family Health Science Library.

Read more about this set :  Articles 1&2   Article 3   (Affinity / Ministry access only.)