Somebody tried to dim the Christmas spirit in Winfield this month, but one Putnam County church isn't letting it go out.
Winfield United Methodist Church says its walk-through Christmas light display was deliberately damaged before the holiday season even got started. Church leaders found strands of lights that had been cut, and Pastor Charlie Mays said the clean cuts made it clear this wasn't wear and tear. It looked like someone had used a blade or a pair of pliers.
A Young Tradition Worth Protecting
This is only the second year the church has put on the display, but it has already become a favorite stop for local families looking for a free, easy way to soak in some holiday cheer together.
The pastor said the church has had some trouble before with e-bike riders cutting across the property and causing damage, but this time felt different. It appeared to be done on purpose.
Answering Damage With Grace
Here's the part that feels like West Virginia. Rather than getting angry, the congregation is choosing grace. Pastor Mays said he would welcome the chance to sit down and talk with whoever did it, and he'd even be glad to invite that person to a Sunday service.
Church members have been hard at work making repairs, and they haven't been doing it alone. Neighbors have offered to pitch in, including students from the National Honor Society at Winfield High School.
The Lights Will Shine Again
The good news is that the display is still on. The church plans to open it to the public after Thanksgiving, and like last year, it will be completely free for the community.
Winfield Police say no official report has been filed so far. Anyone who knows anything about the damage is asked to call the Winfield Police Department at 304-586-9200.
Sometimes the best answer to someone tearing something down is a whole town coming together to build it back up. Once those lights are glowing again later this month, that might be worth a stroll down the walkway to see.