Antioch Church 2020 Ornament

Antioch Church Ornament Each year I select one of my paintings to become a Christmas ornament, and this image of Antioch Church holds a very special place in my heart. My original painting, Antioch, was completed in the autumn of 2012 and was inspired by the beauty of this historic church nestled beneath towering trees dressed in their fall colours. Built in 1857 in eastern Lunenburg County, Virginia, Antioch has been a gathering place for generations of families and worshippers, with a congregation whose roots stretch back more than 200 years. For me, Antioch is much more than a beautiful building. It is part of my family’s story. Many of my ancestors worshipped here, and I attended services whenever I visited my grandparents as a child. Later, after moving to Lunenburg County as a teenager, I became a regular member of the congregation. Most importantly, this quaint white church is where Timmy and I were married. The church cemetery behind the sanctuary is the resting place of many of my ancestors, making Antioch a place filled with memories, faith, and family heritage. Through this ornament, I hope to preserve not only the beauty of this historic church but also the sense of connection, tradition, and devotion that it represents. Whether displayed on a Christmas tree or year-round, this ornament serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, family, and the places that shape our lives.