The Story of the
St. Therese Crèche.

The St. Therese Catholic community, tucked away in the Blue Hills Neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, has long been a beacon of light for the poor, the disenfranchised, and those seeking to worship their God in spirit and truth. This parish family seems to have this “specialness” that is sometimes hard to describe and quantify. But special it is!  So it is no wonder that from this community sprang a Nativity Crèche that embodies the prayerful spirit of all who call St. Therese Little Flower Parish home.

In December 1992, a time of preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ, this little community was rocked by the disappearance of a beautiful young woman, Resa Luther. Resa was the daughter of Elvera Hysten, sister of Shazada Ivy, and aunt to Cerise Woods, all St. Therese members. The heart of the community poured out in their search for Resa, who went missing a few days before Christmas.  Although the outcome was the loss of another beautiful soul, the spirit of St. Therese surrounded the family with as much love and compassion as any human being could consume.

The following year, the parish commissioned the very first figure to create a new manger scene reflecting the diversity of the St. Therese worshiping community. A gifted artist, Ann Harvey, made the figure to become Resa, the Angel of the St. Therese Crèche.

Over the next several years, various figures were created to display the Nativity of a blessed and blessing community, beginning with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus to complete the foundation for the Christmas story.

Then came the gentleman in the plaid shirt and green hat, Harold Minges, the carpenter. Harold and his wife, Janet, were among those who worshipped in the school basement before the church was completed. They were part of the lifeblood of the community and symbols of perseverance through good times and challenging times. Harold served quietly in ways that others couldn’t. He made the candle holders for the altar, the ambo and the Easter candle, and the frame for the baptismal font. Several of the fine wood pieces in the parish are the giftedness of the carpenter, Harold Minges.

Next was Fred Brown in a choir robe with an African-print sash, the only figure modeled from a living member of the community. It was time to show life and devotion in the Crèche, not just the memories of those who had gone on to glory. In Fred, we see the spirit of St. Therese, the faithfulness, the prayerfulness, and the diversity that lives and walks among us.

Tom Bartimus, wearing his green John Deere cap and carrying a basket of groceries, was one of the staunch anchors of the Food Pantry.  He was here creating that legacy that continues of volunteers in service to those in need.  With wife, Virginia, they were faithful servants in the community, in the pantry, the kitchen, the church, God’s people, serving God’s people.

Marie Meyer is kneeling and wearing her apron, symbolizing how she served St. Therese through prayer, service to others, and faithfulness. With her husband Ed, they were part of the legacy on whose shoulders we stand.

The little children, bearing gifts, symbolized St. Therese School, our commitment to education, and our mission to help form young minds and hearts for our children and youth.

The remaining figures, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, our Patron Saint, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Preacher, Civil Rights Leader, and Drum Major for Justice, complete the Crèche (for now) with messages of love, peace, and faithfulness that speak clearly of this little community known as St. Therese Little Flower.