• Home
  • Products/Prices
  • Browse
    • Sports
    • -- Basketball
    • -- Football
    • -- Gymnastics
    • -- Volleyball
    • -- All Sports
    • Events
    • Nature
  • Search
  • My Blog
  • Contact Us
  1. Pat
  2. 2008

Georgetown (01 Dec 2008)

Read More
  • Mary Clare enjoyed a stroll through the shops and along the brick sidewalks of Georgetown with her son, Patrick, while Grady stayed at Pat and Kathy's to enjoy the solitude and quiet of an empty house. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f4.5, 1/340 sec and 8mm)

    Mary Clare enjoyed a stroll through the shops and along the brick sidewalks of Georgetown with her son, Patrick, while Grady stayed at Pat and Kathy's to enjoy the solitude and quiet of an empty house. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f4.5, 1/340 sec and 8mm)

  • Mary Clare enjoyed a stroll through the shops and along the brick sidewalks of Georgetown with her son, Patrick, while Grady stayed at Pat and Kathy's to enjoy the solitude and quiet of an empty house. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f2.8, 1/160 sec and 8mm)

    Mary Clare enjoyed a stroll through the shops and along the brick sidewalks of Georgetown with her son, Patrick, while Grady stayed at Pat and Kathy's to enjoy the solitude and quiet of an empty house. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f2.8, 1/160 sec and 8mm)

  • Mary Clare enjoyed a stroll through the shops and along the brick sidewalks of Georgetown with her son, Patrick, while Grady stayed at Pat and Kathy's to enjoy the solitude and quiet of an empty house. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f2.8, 1/300 sec and 8mm)

    Mary Clare enjoyed a stroll through the shops and along the brick sidewalks of Georgetown with her son, Patrick, while Grady stayed at Pat and Kathy's to enjoy the solitude and quiet of an empty house. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f2.8, 1/300 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 80, f5.0, 1/480 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 80, f5.0, 1/480 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/5 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/5 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/6 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/6 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/14 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/14 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/26 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/26 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/25 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/25 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 1000, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 1000, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

  • Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

    Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

  • Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. 

The History of the Crèche

Tradition credits St. Francis of Assisi, who dedicated his life to serving the poor and who established the religious order of Franciscans in the thirteenth century, with the invention of the nativity scene, or crèche. On his way to Greccio, Italy, Brother Francis is said to have pondered a way to make the story of Jesus' birth more real to the people. The sight of shepherds on the hillside apparently led him to enlist the help of a friend, the Lord of Greccio, Giovanni Velitta. On Christmas Eve, 1223, Giovanni as the story goes, set up a stable with animals and straw, and Francis chose people of the town to act the roles of the Holy Family.

Through the years, people began to commemorate the birth of Jesus not only in the form of pageants and plays, but by the use of miniature figures set up in their churches and homes. This tradition spread across Italy, through Europe, and to the rest of the world.

The Cathedral's Annual Exhibition

For many years, the Cathedral has exhibited crèches from its collection of more than 500 sets from many countries and cultures from around the world, and from many U.S. states and territories.

The majority of the Cathedral's collection was donated by Cathedral friend and retired Cathedral docent Mrs. Beulah Sommer. Her collection contained many beautiful and rare pieces collected by the Sommer family and friends. Over the years, other pieces have been donated. These delightful crèches show the story of Jesus' birth as interpreted by cultures and customs around the world. The Cathedral’s collection now includes miniatures, rare materials, unusual depictions, as well as typical examples which might be found in anyone’s home.(Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

    Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. The History of the Crèche Tradition credits St. Francis of Assisi, who dedicated his life to serving the poor and who established the religious order of Franciscans in the thirteenth century, with the invention of the nativity scene, or crèche. On his way to Greccio, Italy, Brother Francis is said to have pondered a way to make the story of Jesus' birth more real to the people. The sight of shepherds on the hillside apparently led him to enlist the help of a friend, the Lord of Greccio, Giovanni Velitta. On Christmas Eve, 1223, Giovanni as the story goes, set up a stable with animals and straw, and Francis chose people of the town to act the roles of the Holy Family. Through the years, people began to commemorate the birth of Jesus not only in the form of pageants and plays, but by the use of miniature figures set up in their churches and homes. This tradition spread across Italy, through Europe, and to the rest of the world. The Cathedral's Annual Exhibition For many years, the Cathedral has exhibited crèches from its collection of more than 500 sets from many countries and cultures from around the world, and from many U.S. states and territories. The majority of the Cathedral's collection was donated by Cathedral friend and retired Cathedral docent Mrs. Beulah Sommer. Her collection contained many beautiful and rare pieces collected by the Sommer family and friends. Over the years, other pieces have been donated. These delightful crèches show the story of Jesus' birth as interpreted by cultures and customs around the world. The Cathedral’s collection now includes miniatures, rare materials, unusual depictions, as well as typical examples which might be found in anyone’s home.(Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

  • Germany (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This whimsical nativity, created by mentally and physically challenged persons in Benfield, Germany, shows all of creation coming to see the Christ Child. As well as more traditional nativity figures, this set includes a girl with a horse, a man with an elephant, a couple pulling a child in a wagon and a couple walking together, with the man wearing a knapsack and the woman carrying a basket. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/75 sec and 8mm)

    Germany (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This whimsical nativity, created by mentally and physically challenged persons in Benfield, Germany, shows all of creation coming to see the Christ Child. As well as more traditional nativity figures, this set includes a girl with a horse, a man with an elephant, a couple pulling a child in a wagon and a couple walking together, with the man wearing a knapsack and the woman carrying a basket. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/75 sec and 8mm)

  • Germany (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This whimsical nativity, created by mentally and physically challenged persons in Benfield, Germany, shows all of creation coming to see the Christ Child. As well as more traditional nativity figures, this set includes a girl with a horse, a man with an elephant, a couple pulling a child in a wagon and a couple walking together, with the man wearing a knapsack and the woman carrying a basket. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/70 sec and 8mm)

    Germany (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This whimsical nativity, created by mentally and physically challenged persons in Benfield, Germany, shows all of creation coming to see the Christ Child. As well as more traditional nativity figures, this set includes a girl with a horse, a man with an elephant, a couple pulling a child in a wagon and a couple walking together, with the man wearing a knapsack and the woman carrying a basket. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/70 sec and 8mm)

  • Sweden (made of straw and wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. The stable of this crèche is a simple lean-to with wooden sides, the top and back covered with lashed straw. Mary's free-standing mantle completely encloses her figure, while the Star of Bethlehem is supported by its own rays. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/30 sec and 8mm)

    Sweden (made of straw and wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. The stable of this crèche is a simple lean-to with wooden sides, the top and back covered with lashed straw. Mary's free-standing mantle completely encloses her figure, while the Star of Bethlehem is supported by its own rays. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/30 sec and 8mm)

  • Ireland (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This nativity set was made by Jilie D'arch of Puckhane Crafts, Ltd., Puckhane County, Tipperary. The two dimensional pieces are stained in natural tones, rather than painted, to let the grain of the wood show through. Note how the figures of the shepherd and the sheep he is carrying interlock. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/20 sec and 8mm)

    Ireland (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This nativity set was made by Jilie D'arch of Puckhane Crafts, Ltd., Puckhane County, Tipperary. The two dimensional pieces are stained in natural tones, rather than painted, to let the grain of the wood show through. Note how the figures of the shepherd and the sheep he is carrying interlock. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/20 sec and 8mm)

  • Honduras (made of pottery). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. The marks of its firing in the kiln can still be seen in the surface of this nacimiento. Attending the Holy Family is a wide variety of animals, including a donkey bearing a pack, a reclining horse or llama, a swan and a smiling sheep with an uplifted face. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/58 sec and 8mm)

    Honduras (made of pottery). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. The marks of its firing in the kiln can still be seen in the surface of this nacimiento. Attending the Holy Family is a wide variety of animals, including a donkey bearing a pack, a reclining horse or llama, a swan and a smiling sheep with an uplifted face. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/58 sec and 8mm)

  • Louisiana (made of glass). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This stained glass set was designed to incorporate a candle which glows through the glass from the back. The Holy Family, Kings and shepherds are each set on a separate base, and a wide variety of patterned glass was used to create the texture of the figures' clothing. Note the unusual applied gold decoration on the edges of the Kings' robes. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/104 sec and 8mm)

    Louisiana (made of glass). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This stained glass set was designed to incorporate a candle which glows through the glass from the back. The Holy Family, Kings and shepherds are each set on a separate base, and a wide variety of patterned glass was used to create the texture of the figures' clothing. Note the unusual applied gold decoration on the edges of the Kings' robes. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/104 sec and 8mm)

  • Denmark (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This crèche was made in Copenhagen and is notable for its bright Scandinavian colors. Note the Kings' unique gifts and the shepherd accompanied by his woolly sheep whose legs and horns are made from tiny nails. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f8.0, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

    Denmark (made of wood). From the Sommer Collection at the Washington National Cathedral. This crèche was made in Copenhagen and is notable for its bright Scandinavian colors. Note the Kings' unique gifts and the shepherd accompanied by his woolly sheep whose legs and horns are made from tiny nails. Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f8.0, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)

  • While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f4.0, 1/250 sec and 8mm)

    While Dad stayed at the house to enjoy some peace and quiet, Pat took his mother, Mary Clare, to the Washington National Cathedral for a tour. (Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 200, f4.0, 1/250 sec and 8mm)

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2021 SmugMug, Inc.