Published: December 03, 2008 06:06 pm      

Christmas Pilgrimage is Saturday

PICAYUNE — The GFWC-MFWC Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune is holding its 20th Christmas Pilgrimage on Saturday and the members invited those who would like to see how some local folks have decked their halls, while contributing to the club’s scholarship fund.

This year’s tour will feature foury family homes, and a church: The Williams family home, the James family home, the Whitfield family home, the Edwards family home and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Each place has a theme and everyone on the tour is invited to see how they chose to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

The home of Ted and Cindy Williams sits high on top of a hill off of dU.S. Highway 11 in McNeill. The home features several trees, each decorated to fit the ambience of the room in which it sits. The dining room tree sparkles lime green, the study tree is adorned with pheasant feathers and deer antlers and the red tree in the game room is covered with Christopher Radko Christmas glass ornaments. The Williams said they are delighted to have pilgrimage participants come their home during the Christmas holidays and they would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Directions to the home are printed on the event ticket.

The Pilgrimage features “Treasured Memories” at the home of Lisa and Freddy James. Their New Orleans style home is decorated with antiques and family heirlooms. Each room has its own unique tree — such as the 12-foot spruce Christmas tree that is the focus of the den. The James want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas. They invite pilgrimage takers into their home at 62 Delacroix. The directions are: At the intersection of U.S. 11 and Mississippi Highway 43 North, drive west five miles, turn right onto Walkiah Bluff Road (1.7 miles), turn right onto McSween Road (.04 miles) and turn right on Delacroix Lane. The home is at the end of Delacroix Lane.

Ron and Kay Whitfield welcome ticket holders to their “Christmas Cottage on Boley.” The home is a great representation of typical cottage style, with an eclectic blend of the old and the new. The comfortable atmosphere creates the feeling of a good, old-fashioned Christmas. Every room of the Whitfield’s home offers a taste of the holiday spirit, such as the snowman-clad guest bedroom.

The couple wants everyone on the tour to stop by and enjoy the premium entertainment that has been lined up by their daughter-in-law, Jennifer Whitfield. The directions to the home, located “a stone’s throw from the creek” are printed on the event ticket.

Eddie and JoAnn Edwards welcome pilgrimage takers to “A Simple Southern Christmas” at their home. The couple believe in the “less-is-more” philosophy and have decorated for the holidays accordingly. “We’re looking forward to having everyone join us Saturday, Dec. 6. It will be a pleasure to help contribute towards a scholarship for students from Pearl River Central High School and Picayune Memorial High School,” said JoAnn Edwards. Directions to this lakeside, North Hill home are printed on the event ticket.

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church has been celebrating Christmas for the past 73 years at 310 Mitchell Street. Guests will be greeted at the door by wreaths of gold and burgundy and by members of the congregation. The sanctuary is lush with greenery, poinsettias, wreaths and lights. Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall. Pastor Wayne Rice and the congregation look forward to sharing this Christmas season with locla residents. Directions are printed on the event ticket.

The Civic woman’s Club urges local residents to put this yearly event on their weekend to-do lists. The Christmas Pilgrimage is from 2 until 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are still available at Melinda’s and the Picayune Chamber office. For more information, call Michelle Boyd, 601-749-0745 or Judy Griffin, 601-798-4475.