For 40 years Ann Lindell has been a loving steward of a special fixture at St. Thomas, the outdoor creche. In case you aren’t familiar with this unique feature it is located outside along the walkway between the front red doors and the parish hall. None of us could recall when it first appeared, but it has been a part of the fabric that is St.
Thomas as far back as the 1950’s.
Ann remembers discovering her love of decorating as a young child, growing up in Greenly Colorado. There, at age 10 and pursuing her other passion, golf, Ann would stop in the pro shop of the local country club to rearrange the display shelves. Fast forward to 1967, Ann and Hap moved to Terrace Park and shortly after, joined St. Thomas. In the mid 1980’s when Harriet Towne, a member of Altar Guild, asked for a new volunteer to care for the outdoor creche, Ann quickly signed up.
In the next 40 years Ann raised two sons, taught 2nd and 3rd grades, went back to school to earn her master’s at Xavier University in remedial reading, then taught reading to struggling students. Despite this busy life, Ann always found moments to create the beautiful vignettes in our outdoor creche.
While at times Ann took on partners, she has remained the consistent hand making sure there is always something beautiful and meaningful to be seen in the creche. An unofficial Altar Guild member and partner in all things, Ann’s late husband, Hap, would make or commission items when she couldn’t find “just the right piece” for the creche. Hap’s work remains in our collection in the small creche used at Christmas and the brass trinity you will see used throughout the year.
Ann shared that her goal has been to make displays that represent the seasons of the church and symbols of our faith or seasons of the year. One of her most memorable moments was decorating the creche with a cross and American flag. A young soldier, who lived in Terrace Park was interviewed about the Iraqi conflict. The reporter snapped a picture to go with the interview, of the outdoor creche Ann had designed and it appeared on the cover of USA Today. Ann sometimes repeats designs but always makes them just a little different. During her tenure, Ann has gathered a collection of items to use in the creche along with a photo album of ideas. She has made sure the next steward of the outdoor creche will have all that is needed to continue this beautiful ministry. While Ann is retiring from this ministry, she continues to be an active part of our Altar Guild and other aspects of the St. Thomas community. Thank you, Ann for inspiring all of us with your creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to St. Thomas.
