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NILES, Mich., Dec. 1, 2005 “ The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site in Pokagon, Mich., offers a sure-fire way to get yourself in the holiday mood“ Caroling in the Garden, set for Saturday, December 17, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome to enjoy an informal caroling session in The Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden, said Bev Bennett, event coordinator. People are welcome to drive by, or get out and walk through the garden, listen to the carols, participate in the singing, and enjoy an hour of fellowship and holiday cheer. If you plan to get out of your vehicle and walk or stand, you will definitely need clothing and footwear appropriate to that evening's weather, she continued. We recommend a flashlight to light your way as you walk. Lighting in the Garden is subdued. We will have a small Nativity scene in the garden, and holiday lights on several trees, to add to the festive feeling. We'll have a couple jugs of hot chocolate, to help warm your toes from the top down, she added. There is no charge for this event. Donations for the hot chocolate will be welcome. Parking will be available at the Pokagon United Methodist Church, just across Kansas Street from the Garden. The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site includes the Garden and the historic church where the hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross", was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time after the composer completed it, in 1913. The church is being restored as closely as possible to its 1913 appearance, to serve as a museum and community meeting center. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Site is one block south of Pokagon Highway in Pokagon, just east of Highway M-51, halfway between Niles and Dowagiac. The Old Rugged Cross Foundation is working to "Make the Match" of funding to apply for a federal Save America's Treasures grant early in 2006. The grant would be used for church restoration activities. Donations to help "Make the Match," or for maintenance of the Memorial Garden, will be welcome at the caroling event. Please call 269-684-8121 or 269-683-4540 for additional information about "Caroling in the Garden". The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc. http://www.the-oldruggedcross.org |