The First United Methodist Church will be this year’s little piece of Washington commemorated on a Christmas ornament.
“We are very honored,” said Reverend Danny Allen.
Each year, the Washington Area Historic Foundation chooses a Washington landmark for the limited edition ornament (only 150 ornaments are available).
“The board just suggests different places, be it houses, churches or places,” said Dee Congleton, a member of the foundation. “The churches do really well.”
The foundation featured St. Peter’s Episcopal Church last year and First Presbyterian a few years ago. The steeples of First Presbyterian, St. Peter’s and First Methodist graced an ornament, too.
First Methodist was selected this year because of its rich history in Washington. The church has been a part of the community since 1784.
“We’re just delighted,” said Shirley Stone, a member of First Methodist who also serves on the board of the historic foundation. “The ornament is beautiful. They did a wonderful job.”
The historic structures featured have also included the Bug House, Washington High School, former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot (Beaufort County Arts Council building), the former Tayloe Hospital, Atlantic Coast Line freight depot (Civic Center), Turnage Theater, old City Hall and the DeMille home.
Thanks to the stand each ornament comes with, they can be displayed year-round or strung with a ribbon to grace the Christmas tree.
Congleton said sales of the ornaments benefit historic community projects. The foundation is responsible for Harding Square, annual home tours and the plaques that designate historic area homes and buildings.
This $25 ornament and a limited selection of past ornaments may be purchased at the Beaufort County Arts Council or the North Carolina Estuarium.