By Marlee Jackson

Jeanne Lowery carefully fluffs red velvet ribbons that stream down the simple wreaths adorning the doors of Pittsview Methodist Church. Attention to detail is an act of service, comfort and joy for Jeanne and her husband, Bill, who decorate the white, wooden church each Christmas.

“There is such a sweet spirit in our little church,” Jeanne said. “It is a privilege to worship in this special place with our close-knit fellowship of believers. We are honored to carry on the traditions which have been passed on from generation to generation.”

Bill’s family has worshiped in Pittsview for more than a century while giving time, talents and resources to the body of believers.

“The church is kind of like our farm,” said Bill, who serves on the Russell County Farmers Federation board. “When you ride through the farm, nothing you see has been done by accident. There’s purpose. We love our church and care about it. That’s the motivating factor.”

The Lowerys festoon the church after Thanksgiving, heralding the Advent season and celebration of Jesus’ birth. Their approach honors that of Bill’s late grandmother, Marjorie Burt, and mother, Virginia Lowery. The influential matrons spent decades lending a light hand to the holiday décor, focusing on simple touches to enhance the building’s architecture. Decorations this Christmas will also complement fresh landscaping, courtesy of congregant Jeff Pitts.

Exterior embellishments include a swag of garland with magnolia accents draped across the church sign. Bow-bedecked wreaths hang on three wooden doors visible from the street.

The sanctuary is likewise modestly decorated. Fresh-cut magnolia offers a simple backdrop for the nativity. Jeanne decorates the windows by laying small garland pieces on the lip of the wooden sash.

“She’s known for that,” Bill said with a smile as his wife smooths a bow on the window trimmings.

The Lowerys place purple cloth trimmed in gold atop the lectern, the royal hue paying homage to the Prince of Peace. Before each service, they’ll light simple white tapers in polished candlesticks that flank a brass altar cross.

Behind the altar and lectern, a portrait of Jesus forms the focal point of the sanctuary. At Christmas, the Lowerys assemble and decorate a Chrismon tree beneath the art. The tree is adorned with a mix of homemade and purchased “Christ monograms,” ornaments that symbolize elements of the Christian faith. 

“In most churches, the Chrismon tree is over to the side,” Jeanne said. “But the tradition has been for it to be behind the lectern. That’s why we keep it there.”

Pittsview Methodist’s body of believers gathers the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Other weeks, most attend the Baptist church next door, finding community in common threads of their faith. This December, the congregations will blend during their annual White Christmas service. 

“It always concludes with a candle-lighting service in a darkened sanctuary singing ‘Silent Night,’” Jeanne said. “It’s a special tradition passed down through the years.”