On Christmas Eve, the West Tisbury Congregational Church will hold its annual Christmas pageant and carols service at the Agricultural Hall. The event is open to everyone and begins with a re-telling of the Christmas story. The Rev. Cathlin Baker presides over the tableau which is a cross-section of the Island community, with church school children and their friends transforming themselves for the night into sheep and shepherds, wise men, angels and Joseph and Mary.

This has been an annual event stretching back decades. Many in attendance at the Agricultural Hall who are now patriarchs and matriarchs of the community were once young angels and wise men themselves.

An old program from 1968 shows Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter 3rd played the part of Joseph while his sister Gretchen embodied Mary. Arnie Fischer, Mark and Michael Hayward personified the three kings. Jamie Alley, Percy Burt, David Douglas and Leo Hayward played shepherds. Dr. Mills presided.

Come see how time manages to both march along and stand still at this Island holiday gathering.

The evening begins at 5 p.m.