Gathered around for holiday story time are children at Scambler Union Church, at the traditional Christmas program Dec. 4. 

Reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” is Mazie Wick, a longtime member and volunteer at the rural church.  

The traditional program, complete with Christmas carols, performing kids and families, goodies and a visit from Santa himself, ha been a tradition at the church—recalling rural and small town church Christmas gatherings of bygone days.  

Mazie and her husband Jim are among the volunteers who re-open the church for one day during the winter. Jim ‘s ancestors were among the founders of the church,  which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places 

A holiday view—through the Christmas tree

This photo was captured through the decorated Christmas tree at the Scambler Union Church traditional program, hosted Dec. 4. 

Framed by pine boughs, lights and colorful decorations, Sarina, Allia and Annika Bennet. 

Scambler Church, on a gravel road south of Pelican Lake, is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The old fashioned Christmas program has become a rural tradition at the modest church.