Nativity scene returns to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The Nativity scene previously removed from Neppel Park last year will be re-erected this year.

The Nativity scene was removed from public property after a citizen sent a letter to Councilmember Brent Reese sharing concerns about the possibility of blurring the separation between church and state for allowing the religious depiction in a park.

The city council agreed in the past that no religious depiction would be allowed on public property again.

That is until now.

Nancy and Aaron Hull of Moses Lake asked the council to allow them to place the Nativity scene back at Neppel Park this year.

In a letter to the city council, Nancy wrote she always enjoyed seeing the scene at the park.

“I am saddened that it has disappeared publicly,” she wrote. “Christmas is a religious and cultural tradition for most Americans, a time for goodness, giving and hope, not fear, intimidation and disinformation.”

Nancy asked the council to reconsider their decision to prohibit religious depiction on public property because she was unable to find a court decision against allowing cities to sponsor religious displays.

City Manager Joe Gavinski said he gave the Hull family permission to place the scene at the park as long as they placed a sign stating the city does not endorse or oppose the scene.

Aaron told the council Tuesday night, their intention is to continue the tradition of having the Nativity scene at Neppel Park every year. This year it will be on display through the first weekend of January.

The scene is not on display right now because the Hull family is still waiting for some pieces of the scene to arrive by mail, he said.

“I support you 100 percent,” Mayor Ron Covey said.

The previous Nativity scene displayed at Neppel Park and at the Moses Lake Public Library was never owned by the city. It was previously part of the tree decorating ceremony conducted by the Moses Lake Kiwanis Club.

Councilmembers Richard Pearce and Dick Deane were absent from the meeting.