Blizzard forces cancellation of church services on Christmas Eve, Christmas

Photos by Tom Rivers: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion is plastered in snow this evening. The Holy Family Parish cancelled Mass today at the church but is planning for a 10:30 a.m. Mass on Christmas.

The blizzard that has dumped snow, pounded the area with punishing winds, and left icy road conditions has forced local churches to cancel their services for today and on Sunday.

Church leaders didn’t want to people the public in danger, especially with a driving ban still in pace. That ban started at about noon on Friday and is expected to continue through tonight until Sunday morning.

Many churches in Orleans County have sent notice to the Orleans Hub about their services being cancelled. (To report a cancellation, send an email to news@orleanshub.com.)

• Oak Orchard Assembly of God service is cancelled on Christmas.
• The Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ has cancelled its service for Christmas.
• The Grove United Methodist Church in Medina cancelled both Christmas Eve and Christmas day services.
• St. Mary’s in Holley has cancelled the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass and St. Mark’s in Kendall has cancelled the 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.
• Faith Alliance Church in Albion has cancelled the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
• Cornerstone Church at 3426 Hulberton Rd. in Holley has cancelled the Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day service.
• Shiloh Church in Albion has cancelled services for Christmas eve and Christmas.
• The Lyndonville Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services are cancelled.
• Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion is cancelling Christmas Eve and Christmas day services.
• Eagle Harbor United Methodist’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services are canceled.
• Albion Presbyterian Christmas Eve services are canceled and Christmas Day worship is online only. To view Christmas Day service, go to Albion First Presbyterian Facebook Page.
• Holy Family Parish in Albion is cancelling Mass at 4 and 9 p.m. today for Christmas Eve, but is planning for 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday.
• Christ Church (Episcopal) in Albion has cancelled the scheduled services for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.
• Albion Free Methodist cancels Christmas eve and Sunday morning services.
• First Baptist Church in Albion cancels Christmas eve and Sunday morning services.
• Gaines Carlton Community Church has canceled Christmas Eve service due to weather conditions.
• United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest in Millville is cancelling worship services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day due to weather and travel conditions.

The manger scene in front of the Holy Family rectory at the corner of West Park and Main Street in Albion tells the story of the birth of Jesus.