Michael Johnson has missed a scene familiar to many Augustans during the Christmas season — the nativity in front of the University Hospital Summerville campus.
“We looked for it,” said Johnson, who was disappointed that Mary, Joseph, the wise men and camels weren’t on the law. He’d gone in previous years to take pictures of it.
The nativity began when the hospital was St. Joseph Hospital. St. Joseph’s, later known as Trinity Hospital, was sold to University Hospital, which took over the organization in 2017. University continued the tradition through last year.
“It was gifted to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church at the request of Sister Clara Vincent, and they have it in front of the church. We are thrilled they are carrying on the tradition,” according to Rebecca Sylvester, director of corporate communications for
University Health Care System.
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Sister Clara Vincent served at St. Joseph Hospital for 44 years as a nurse and director of pastoral care.
Pat Curry is another resident who has missed seeing the nativity this Christmas season.
“I had hoped University would continue the tradition, and it was there last year. But this year, it is gone. So sad. I always enjoyed following the wise men’s journey across the lawn,” she wrote in a message.
But she was glad to hear that it had found a new home.
“At least it will continue to be used. I hated the thought of it being shoved in a warehouse,” she said.
According to a St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church newsletter, the creche has a new home on its front lawn.
“A new tradition is born at St. Teresa’s!” the newsletter read.
The church is located at 4921 Columbia Rd., Grovetown.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
