‘The Living Bible’ story to return to Libertyville church after 12-year hiatus

In its time, the “The Living Bible” presentation drew visitors by the busload to the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville just south of downtown.

From about 1985 to 2000, church volunteers assembled the sets and donned the costumes to portray more than two dozen dramatic biblical moments.

Volunteer fatigue, changes in church staff and other factors ended the run, and the costumes and props were put in storage. Now, more than a decade later, parishioners are reviving the tradition.

The event this year is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, and Saturday, Sept. 29, at the church, 219 W. Maple Ave. The village board last week approved the closure of portions of Maple, Douglas and Jackson avenues during those times.

“They (church members) took the initiative,” Pastor Brian Paulson said. “I think it’s intended to be a gift to the community.” It also may spark a “spiritual adventure” for Christians, he added.

Longtime church members fondly remember the original production.

“I think it was fair to say it ran its course, but a lot of people loved it and remembered it,” said Gary Holland, a 32-year church member and co-chair of the volunteer effort to reassemble the pieces for a new show. “Once we didn’t do it one year, it became pretty easy not to do it again.”

A revival effort was mounted about five years ago, and a little money was raised. But it didn’t have staff support and petered out, said Holland, a former elder and deacon of the 1,300-member church.

Then, about two years ago, at a visitation for a deceased parishioner, the idea rekindled for Holland. He said it was prompted by a picture of the church member and his wife dressed in costume for “The Living Bible” that was prominently featured in the collage of photos at the service.

“Anybody who’s been around remembers. For a while, we were know as the Church of the Living Bible,” he said.

Though the production has been scaled down to about nine scenes and from three nights to two, nearly 300 volunteers are involved, including two casts of 69 people playing biblical characters in period costumes — as well as two sheep, two goats and a donkey. A fresh narration was recorded, and the painted backdrops, which had been damaged while in storage, also are new.

Characters do not speak but go through motions as recorded music and Scripture passages are played.

Many veterans will return to play key behind-the-scenes roles, and Pastor Emeritus Charlie Dougherty is even coming from South Carolina to direct the Last Supper scene.

The production, which has been in process about a year, will focus on the New Testament story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection.

“It is a moving experience when you see it in its entirety,” said church member Kathy Loudon-Morgavan, who is helping with publicity.

While consulting with the staff, congregation members are at the helm.

The event serves as an outreach for the church and a fellowship function for the congregation, Holland said.