UTICA- The annual Greening of the Church took place at the Grace Episcopal Church in Utica. It’s a long a long-standing tradition that prepares the church for the upcoming festivities.
Dozens of poinsettias, wreaths and other decorations were hung throughout the church.
This annual decorating dates back to the Victorian era where locals would prepare the church with local decorations for the holiday season.
Volunteers spent hours decorating the church. The organ player as well as the church choir also rehearsed for the upcoming church services.
Volunteers tell us this is one of their favorite traditions.
"It really transforms the room. It turns into something that we normally don’t see until this time of the year. Its full of color and light and it’s just beautiful." said organ player Bruce Smith
Church services for Christmas Eve are scheduled for 5 and 10 PM. Then on Christmas Day at 10 and 11:30 am.