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CHAMPION -- Twenty-five years ago, Champion resident David Roden bought a small manger scene for his son, Patrick, which now has grown to more than 200 pieces and is being displayed at St. John Lutheran Church, 5734 Mahoning Ave.
"When I first got the manger for my son I wanted to make sure he couldn't break it. The pieces will not break and are child friendly," Roden said.
The Fontanini nativity is being displayed at the church during worship service and church office hours until Jan. 5.
The first pieces he purchased at a store in Middlefield.
"There were stores behind the cheese factory in Middlefield where I went the first couple of years to get pieces. I then bought some from Kraynaks and then at bookstores," he said, noting the newer pieces he purchased online.
Each year, he has purchased additional pieces including people, animals and buildings helping the display to grow to 200-plus pieces.
"Every year I set it up differently. It is whatever mood strikes me. My son helps me create different scenes," Roden said.
The nativity with baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph is a focal point surrounded by a large village and marketplace.
"Each section has a story. There is a pregnant woman talking to a woman who had a baby. There is a man eating and people waiting on him," Roden said.
As a member of the church, Roden was given permission a few years ago to set up the display in a room near the church's main entrance. One year, the display was set up at nearby St.William Church when the community held a tour of different holiday stops.
The display took three days to set up. The pieces are unique as they are each hand painted in Italy.
"They are made at a factory in Bagni di Lucca, Italy. There is an assembly where each person paints a different part. The most specialized part is painting the eyes. No two are alike," he said.
Roden said while many figurines in other nativities may have a washed out look with a brownish coloring that is common in the United States, the figurines from Italy are more vibrantly colored and detailed.
"People tell me when they look at the display they see something different each time. They ask me if I move the pieces around, which I do not. Once I put it up, it stays that way," he said.
Some buildings in the display are lit and one has a small fountain inside.
"I am able to light some of the scenes," he said.
Roden said the display each year takes up more and more space and outgrew his dining room table. He said he would one day like to display it at a storefront at the Eastwood Mall.
The display adds to the celebration by the church on its 60th anniversary.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com