It's Happening: Reynoldsville Baptist Church to Host Community Tree Lighting on November 30
By Julie Perine on November 19, 2025 from It’s Happening
My family is among those who have fond memories of holiday hayrides with Reynoldsville Baptist Church to Christmas carol throughout the community during the years when our kids were growing up. While talking with Pastor Jon Hayes, I learned that the traditional caroling event
has evolved through the years and ultimately
culminated into a full-fledged Christmas tree lighting that yes, involves caroling, but so much more.
The Reynoldsville Community Christmas Tree Lighting will take place the evening of Sunday, Nov. 30, at the church parking lot. The guest of honor is Karen McNemar, longtime Reynoldsville resident and captain of the Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department.
“We wanted to honor and recognize a person in our community who is always there to encourage people and support the community,” Pastor Jon said.
Karen, who is not only a longtime first responder, but also a former caregiver, seemed to be the perfect fit. Everyone involved thought so, too.
After serving as an Emergency Medical Technician, Karen was appointed Assistant Chief Emergency Medical Services. She also worked with her late husband Kenny with the Harrison County Emergency Squad. Their sons Kenny, Billy, Danny, Bobby, and Timmy have all followed their lead by being involved in the medical and fire service fields. Karen and her fellow firefighters started the annual Santa Food Drive, and she is also part of an effort to deliver food boxes to veterans. A member of New Hope Christian Church, Karen is also secretary of the North Central WV Honor Flight.
“I thank my heavenly father every day for the blessings he has given in my lifetime, notes McNemar. My family, my friends, my fire family, my church friends, and the small community of Reynoldsville. We may be small in size, but we do have some good people who care about the community.”
The tree-lighting fun begins at 5 p.m. with fire truck rides with Santa, face painting, crafts and Christmas photos. At 6 p.m., there will be a live nativity, hayrides and special music. I know these young musicians, and they will do a fantastic job. Vocalists include Patrick Fischer, Abbigail McAllister, Miya Lantz and Emma Perine. The 7 p.m. hour will feature Christmas caroling, scripture reading, the introduction of Karen McNemar and the tree lighting. Hot chocolate and holiday goodies will be served.
“The parking lot will be all decorated with lights and we’ll have a little stage built,” Pastor Jon said. “And we have a 14-foot tree – a made-for-outside professional tree – that will be brought in and its use has been donated.”
Everyone is invited to join with the church for this season kickoff, honoring a local and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Reynoldsville Baptist Church is located on Wilsonburg Road between Wilsonburg and Wolf Summit. Take the Wilsonburg Exit from Route 50.
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