Shuttle tour of downtown Wooster churches is Dec. 1

There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by visiting several of the most notable gems in downtown Wooster during its annual Hop On, Hop Off Church Tour, happening Friday, Dec. 1 from 4-7 p.m.

For the second year in a row, the Main Street Wooster-sponsored event will offer a bus where visitors are able to get on and off at each stop, rather than walk or drive themselves to each of the church locations. The shuttle driver will call out the stop number for each location guests would like to see so they can just hop on and hop off.

Participating churches this year are as follows:

—St. James Episcopal Church, 201 N. Market St., will include tours of the sanctuary and Bruch Hall.

—Wooster United Methodist Church, 243 N. Market St., where participants can walk around the sanctuary as they listen to Christmas music played by the organist and literature detailing the church’s history, and architecture will be available.

—First Baptist Church, 246 N. Market St., with refreshments, seasonal music and a presentation on the church’s history.

—Zion Lutheran Church, 301 N. Market St., where members will be available in the sanctuary to provide a brief history on the church, carols will play on the Schantz Pipe Organ and refreshments will be served as people exit the sanctuary and building.

—First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave., to view the sanctuary and organ, and refreshments will be served in the back hall.

—St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 527 Beall Ave., with a walking self-guided tour with information available and refreshments served in the lower well.

—People to People Ministries, 545 College Ave., with tours of the facility and the food truck, Upscale Variety.

—Wooster Seventh-day Adventist Church, 445 N. Bever St., where Neil Jackson will play the pipe organ and refreshments and tours of the sanctuary will be given.

—Trinity United Church of Christ, 150 E. North St., with musicians, tours and refreshments.

“The Historic Church Tour was a walking tour prior to 2022,” said Kerri Manley, project coordinator for Main Street Wooster. “The Hop On, Hop Off Tour is starting its second year. However, the walking tour started several years ago. It is a perfect event for the winter because it offers some incredible history of our beautiful churches located within our downtown, as well as offering better accommodations. It is the perfect season to check out all of the beautifully decorated churches.”

She explained the event is great for people of all ages now that a shuttle bus is offered because nobody has to walk very far to view the churches.

“It gives parents a chance to do something fun without the worry of loading and unloading their cars at each stop,” Manley said. “It also gives those who might have some mobility issues the chance to take the tour. It gives everyone the opportunity to see inside of these churches, as well as get some historic information on them. We encourage the public to come and experience the holiday season in a different way and enjoy the rich history our beautiful downtown has to offer.”

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than to see these gorgeous buildings decorated at their finest? That is why this event is offered during this time and not at another time of year.

“It is also a celebration of the Christmas season,” Manley said. “This stands out from other events in the community because there are not any church tours throughout the year, and it is so exciting to see the churches decorated for the holiday season. You have the opportunity to hear an organ being played, see beautiful and original stained-glass windows, look at beautiful architecture, and meet some incredible people along the way.”

No matter your denomination, participating in the Historic Church Tour Main Street Wooster offers during the holiday season is a great opportunity to see how each church was built and get an idea of the history of the structure, as well as see how each one is decorated for the holidays.

“Most of the churches will be decorated for the holidays,” Manley said.

They could have a tree or a few, poinsettias, offer Christmas-themed snacks and more. While the true reason for the season is Jesus, the decorations offer that traditional Christmas feel.

“I would encourage people to attend the event because trying something new is always fun and exciting, especially during the holiday season. This tour is a true gem, and we are lucky to have some great churches participate each year. They are so excited to showcase their space and to meet new people,” Manley said.

Those wishing to take the hop on, hop off shuttle for the tour should park at the Wayne County Public Library, 220 W. Liberty St., where the bus will load and unload after each loop. The shuttle is free of charge, but tips for the driver are appreciated.