Submitted Photo Local members work to prepare the Scottish Rite Temple for its showing in the upcoming Homes for the Holidays Tour. [Click to enlarge]

The Fort Scott Tribune

The music program for the 29th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour which will take place on Dec. 6 and 7 will be conducted at the First Church of the Nazarene, Third and Margrave streets.

Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo The First Church of the Nazarene, one stop on the Homes for the Holidays Tour. [Click to enlarge]

The congregation of the First Church of the Nazarene started in 1919 in what is now the Old Congregational Church. After meeting at several locations, the members decided to purchase property on East Third Street from the Fort Scott School District in 1945. The structure is built of native stone and features lovely stained glass windows. Although the native stone church was not fully completed and dedicated until March of 1956, the congregation started worshipping in the building in March of 1948. The structure has been home to the congregation for over fifty years. However, recent growth in the size of the church's congregation has inspired plans to build a new facility in the near future.

Homes for the Holiday attendees can take in the musical sounds of Christmas during their visit to the local congregation's eloquently decorated sanctuary. On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. local residents will display their musical talents to event attendees.

Also during this year's Homes tour, residents will have the opportunity to visit the Scottish Rite Temple, 110 South Main Street. This site has been the home of the Scottish Rite Masons of Southeast Kansas for more than one hundred years. The building houses an outstanding stage and auditorium. An Austin Brothers pipe organ, valued at nearly two million dollars, was built into the auditorium in 1924. The stage houses over one hundred backdrops, measuring thirty by fifty feet. These were hand-painted in 1901 and repainted in 1924 by noted artist, Thomas G. Moses. Since it takes three to five backdrops to create one complete scene, the 108 backdrops work together to create 49 different sets depicting scenes from around the world, a treasure room, outdoor and many others.

By using several drops to create one scene, Moses was able to give the scenes a three dimensional appearance. His creativity provided the scenery with special effects such as doors that will disappear and reappear, depending on the lighting. Some of the scenery has been accented with pieces of aluminum foil which allow the sets to sparkle in different places.

Area residents who would like to be among the first to experience this year's tour can purchase tickets for the Moonlight and Mistletoe. The special Friday evening tour which will be conducted on Dec. 5th, will feature the home of Mary and Leland Wood, in addition to the Blocker and Carlson houses and the church. A light holiday buffet and festive beverages will be served to event attendees. This tour is limited to 100 guests, and the ticket price, which is good for admission to the Saturday and Sunday events as well, is $20.

Other areas of interest during the weekend of events include the Stocking Stuffer, located at Fort Scott Community College Arnold Arena. The annual craft show will offer a wide variety of crafts and gift items, in addition to baked goods and a brisket lunch. In addition, volunteers from the local Association of Retired School Personnel will staff the Fort Lincoln School for the tour weekend from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. each day. A special program at the National Historic Site will focus on the 2007 White House Christmas tree decorations with the theme of "America's National Parks." Gary Hawk, Iola artist, will speak on Saturday and Sunday afternoons about the unique ornament he created to represent the Fort Scott site.

Tickets for the Moonlight and Mistletoe tour and the Homes for the Holidays tour are now available at Country Cupboard, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lyons Mansion. The ticket price for the weekend tour is $10.

Music Schedule for performances at the First Church of the Nazarene December 6-7

Saturday, Dec. 6

10-10:30 a.m. Carol Crain

10:30-11 a.m. Eugene Ware

Choir

11-11:30 a.m. Leota Anthony

11:30-12 a.m. Rick Masters

1-1:30 p.m. Jerry Elliott

1:30-2 p.m. Katie Blythe

2-2:30 p.m. Dian Combs

2:30-3 p.m. Linda Jackson

3-3:30 p.m. Del Potter

3:30-4 p.m. Jennie Wood

4-4:30 p.m. Hemphill Family

and Friends

Sunday, Dec. 7

1-1:30 p.m. West Park Nazarene Praise Band

1:30-2 p.m. Charles Cable

2-2:30 p.m. Sekenaires

2:30-3 p.m. Rick Hite

3-3:30 p.m. Greta Adams and Iola Select Singers

3:30-4:30 p.m. Greg Turner and FSCC Choir and Orchestra