Despite winds up to 40 miles per hour, a moderate crowd turned out for the Annual Walking Tour of Churches Sunday in Edgefield. The 21st such event, it was sponsored by the Edgefield County Historical Society and coordinated by Tricia Glenn and Karen Gerrard.

The tour began at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, progressed to Edgefield First Baptist and Trinity Episcopal Church, and concluded at Edgefield United Methodist Church. All churches featured on the tour had their beginnings in the 1800s and have been a religious mainstay of the Edgefield community.

At St. Mary’s, scriptures depicting events leading up to the birth of Jesus were read by Father Noel Tria. The congregation sang, “Emmanuel” and “A Season of Light,” followed by a recorded rendition of the standard, “Ava Maria.”

Though designed to be a walking tour, because of the cold wind many opted to climb onto the bus provided for those unable to make the walk.

At First Baptist, the Rev. Stacy Williams gave the welcome and reading of scripture, after which the Children’s Choir sang and the Bell-Ringers gave a lively performance. The congregation sang, “Angels From the Realms of Glory.”

By the time the crowd arrived at the Episcopal Church, a light snow had begun to fall. The small church was almost filled to capacity and three wise men had appeared. Liz Korneaus rendered the Christmas story and the congregation sang, “We Three Kings.”

Much to the disappointment of many, the snow had stopped by the time the tour arrived at Edgefield United Methodist for the conclusion. There a manger scene, complete with animals, the wise men, shepherds and a live baby Jesus were presented.

The Rev. David Bouknight read the scripture take from the gospel of Luke 2:1-7 and 2:8-20. A congregation hymn, “Angels We Have Heard on High,” was followed by a choir rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” Following prayer, the congregation sang, “Joy to the World” and everyone was invited for refreshments at Magnolia Dale.

“We were pleased with the turn-out, despite the cold weather,” said Glenn. “The tour grows bigger every year and the Historical Society is planning more for next year. Rev. Bouknight has volunteered to choreograph the event.”