Joy to the World Nativity Collection
Combining their love of Christmas, travel, and ethnic traditions, retired foreign language teachers Susanne and Bill Gay were drawn to the wide range of artistic interpretations of Christ’s birth.
Without planning to be “collectors,” Bill and Susanne acquired new Nativities, both by purchase and as gifts from family and friends, over 35 years.
When the number grew to more than 500, they sought a home for the collection. The permanent installation at Holy Cross currently includes 500 of these Nativities, from more than 65 different countries. They range from traditional to whimsical, in wide-ranging media, from fabric, carved wood, stained glass, and crystal, to recycled soda cans, newsprint, seed pods, banana bark, and chocolate.
The team at Essmann Millwork and Cabinetry, Germantown, WI designed and constructed the cabinets. The project was made possible by the generous gifts and memorials from members and friends of Holy Cross.
CLICK HERE to go to our Nativity Collection Gallery to view photographs of our collection.
Nativity Collection Viewing Hours
The collection is available for public viewing throughout the year:
Tuesday – Thursday
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sunday Mornings
7:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Group presentations
Groups are welcome and will be provided with a guided tour by appointment only. Please contact the church office at 262-251-2740 or holycross1@holycrosslutheran.org for more information.