'Living Nativity' Still Can Be Seen in Bensonhurst 50 Years After

BROOKLYN - New Yorkers can help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of "Bethlehem Comes to Bensonhurst," a half-century after the first "Living Nativity" was placed on the lawn of the New Utrecht Reformed Church.

While the manger scene used to be in place for a week, in recent years the live animals and costumed actors can be seen only for a few hours one day a year. On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Living Nativity will be presented near 18th Ave. and 84th St. from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as Christmas music fills the air.

Later that day, at 8 p.m., the Friends of Historic New Utrecht has arranged for a free concert in the church Parish House by the North Shore Pops Concert Band, known for a wide repertoire of music performed by musicians including former members of famous big bands, the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the Guy Lombardo Band, among them.

"Again this year," says Robert Buonvino, Friends president, "the church and other organizations, including the Boy Scouts, are able to offer this gift to the community. It's a tradition begun in 1956," the historian says, "when the church had Biblical costumes and a couple of sheep from upstate that were kept in the minister's garage. Nowadays, it's too expensive to present a Living Nativity for more than a few hours." "Yet," he added, "the church wants to maintain the tradition - as a gift to neighbors and others."

Animals placed in the manger scene in recent years include a donkey, llama and sheep. New costumes were provided two years ago by a Boy Scout working on an Eagle project.

Another tradition observed at the New Utrecht site in recent years has been the lighting of an international peace lamp. In 2002, two coal miners' lamps were presented in the church sanctuary to the current minister, the Rev. Terry Troia, and to the church's Scout Troop 20, the nation's oldest. One lamp has been used in the Living Nativity and the other was given to Regina Pacis Parish, also in Brooklyn. The peace light campaign was organized by the Austrian Broadcasting Company as part of a mission for handicapped children and people in need.

"Every week before Christmas, Scouts distribute the light, given from one person to another as a symbolic gift, a wish for peace and forgiving among human beings," Mr. Buonvino, a Scout leader, explained.

Until Christmas 2003, the nativity scene attracted visitors from far and wide to the main church building itself, dating from 1828 and famous for its stained-glass windows, pipe organ, architecture and "little Dutch doors" leading to the pews. "Hopefully, the big red doors can be reopened in time for Christmas, 2007," Mr. Buonvino said, as a $2 million repair and restoration continues.

The New Utrecht church was founded in 1677, not far from its present location. Persons interested in the earliest history of Brooklyn may call 718-256-7173 and visit www.historicnewutrecht.org.

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PR services donated. December 2006