Michelle Moore grew up in Manor, Saskatchewan and has lived there most of her life. Moore is an Anglican Priest and has a passion for collecting Nativity scenes.
She began her collection when she was 10-years-old, receiving her first Nativity scene from a nun. Later in life at the age of 28, she saw a Nativity that was featured by Avon. She decided at that moment to become an Avon representative in order to acquire this rather pricey Nativity . . . and the collecting began. She has been avidly collecting for 25 years now. If she sees a Nativity she likes, she acquires it. As of now she is actively pursuing additional pieces for her collection of over 100 different nativities.
In her collection she has one from England and has a First Nation one given to her by a friend that she is particularly fond of. There is a cat-themed one and a Canadian-themed one of Mounties with the Baby Jesus cradled on a Maple Leaf.
The house she currently lives had always been well decorated on the outside by her parents. Today, it is the inside that is adorned with her treasured collection. Her latest addition comes from P.E.I., sent to her by her sister-in-law. Her sister-in-law’s sister, Sister Mary Pauline, was the nun who gave Michelle her first nativity scene.
Her set includes moose, a bear, mice, a duck and one that is themed after leprechauns. The nativities are crafted of many different materials including porcelain, crystal and one from the Holy Land made of olive wood.
Michelle says, “I will continue to collect for a while yet,” and she welcomes anyone wanting to enjoy her collection to stop in.
