Mary & Joseph find Comfort in Texas

Mary & Joseph find Comfort in Texas – After years of doing their yearly duty in Sears & Roebuck, San Antonio, Mary, Joseph, The Three Wisemen, Shepherd, animals and of course Baby Jesus moved to Comfort, Texas in 1975 (donated by former Sears employee, Bill Bates). Mr. Bates is the grandfather of our own Buyer’s Agent, Jamie Middleton.

The story goes that Bill found the scene in the dumpster and decided that he couldn’t let it be thrown away. When he retired, he brought it to Comfort with him where he eventually donated it to the city. There, it was proudly displayed for years. However, as the years wore on so did the Nativity Scene. Some of the characters lost their heads as well as a hand or two. Baby Jesus went missing soon after moving to Comfort and became a tradition in the town for each new Baby Jesus to be taken (some traditions would be best stopped, don’t you think).

Nativity Refurbishments

Over the years, various people have done touch ups on the characters. Mitch Johnson, the local auto body shop owner, is one of these people. He was the faithful servant who in 2001 made new heads and extremities for the characters. Mitch used gloves and foam insulation, molding the faces as he went. After some time in the “body shop”, the Nativity Scene was returned in time for Christmas.

As the years went by, the Nativity Scene made its appearance every Christmas in the City Park of Comfort. The Chamber of Commerce took notice that, again, the life-size statues were starting to look a little dilapidated. Therefore, they raised the money and recruited Boerne Artist, Jeannette MacDougall in September to bring them back to their former glory again. On December 6th they made their debut ready to entrance young and old alike with one of the few remaining life-size Nativity Scenes from Bronner Christmas Store, Michigan.

Jamie Middleton, after the unveiling of the refurbished Nativity stated, “I am very grateful that the community of Comfort chose to restore it in such a beautiful way. And I’m so pleased that my children, (Bill Bates’ great-grandchildren) will still be able to enjoy it. The true meaning of Christmas still being displayed in the Hill Country is beyond special”. Jamie, The Boehm Team agrees with you.

If you live close by to Comfort, Texas, take a moment to go visit the Nativity. Thank you Comfort Chamber of Commerce for your dedication to keeping memories alive.