Russellville First Baptist Church has a lot of extra activity this week as around 180 people bring to life the church’s second annual Walk Thru Bethlehem experience Nov. 29-Dec. 1 from 5-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 4-8 p.m., with additional tours for those with special needs and senior adults needing assistance on Dec. 3 from 3-4 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural event drew a large attendance, with guests treated to the sights and sounds of what the city of Bethlehem might have been like when Jesus was born. Guided tours leave from the church building, and the walk takes place through a portion of downtown that has been transformed for the occasion.  

“We had several hundred come through last night,” said Joel Davis, the church’s youth pastor, in talking about the first evening of this year’s event. “The extras we’ve added seem to be working out well, and we’re really excited about it.”

The event starts at the church. Guests ride on a horse-drawn wagon to travel to “Bethlehem,” where the tour continues with a guide as they make their way through. Davis said while they don’t know exactly how many will wind up going through the experience, they expect more than 2,000.  

“Once you get to Bethlehem, you start making that journey back to the manger scene,” Davis continued. “The manger scene is set up inside the church this year, so instead of walking form the church to the manger, you’re walking from the Lawrence Street side back to the church.” 

Tours begin approximately every ten minutes. Reservations are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome, though there may be a wait. Uneven paths may be difficult for some. For more information, call 256-332-2065. 

To view photos from Thursday’s event, click HERE.