AMHERST - After a much needed year off the Amherst First Baptisit Christmas House Tour is back to celebrate the church's 200th birthday and the town's rich Victorian heritage.
"We intentionally took last year knowing we were going to do it again. This is our 200th anniversary at the church and we thought it would be a nice way to celebrate," tour co-ordinator Rev. Don Miller said.
The tour will run on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 2-7 p.m. and includes the Seely house at 155 East Victoria St., the Duvar house at 180 East Victoria St., the Graham-Belliveau house at 10 Rupert St., the Bent Cottage at 171 East Victoria St., Rhodes Manor at 57 Havelock St. and historic First Baptist Church.
Each of the homes featured in this year's 15th tour have a connection to First Baptist. The Rhodes Manor, built in 1890, was formerly owned by the family that built the church. Other homes on Victoria share the street with First Baptist.
After the decision not to hold the tour last year, Miller said the church received a lot of calls from people urging them to bring it back. Too many the tour marks the official start of the Christmas season while others have used it to get some decorating ideas for their own homes. A number of groups, organizations and businesses have also used the tour as a Christmas party.
"It's nice to have the community behind it and it was even nice to hear people complain about it not being held last year because it showed that the tour meant a lot to them," he said. "Some people participate to look at the architecture and are interested in the history. For the homeowners it's a wonderful way to find out the history of their house."
For Colin McElrea and Margaret York, the opportunity to participate in the tour gives them the opportunity to celebrate the building's history and to showcase the bed and breakfast they purchased last summer.
"We've only been in Amherst for about a year and have done a lot of work on the home," McElrea said. "By taking part in the tour we get to support the church and open our doors to the town."
Tickets for the tour can be purchased Pugsley's Pharmacy and Fort B Flowers or at the church or by calling 667-2001.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
