The presenters are teacher Christopher Albrecht and students in Brockport’s public schools. The entire story will be read in the Victorian mansion by candlelight, while winter scenes of Brockport are projected on screens.

In 1868, Mary Jane Holmes published the 68-page novelette. The setting is at Brockport’s St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The actual Christmas baptismal font that the book is named for is next to the alter in the church.

The entire book will be read by fourth-graders, directed by Julia Hunsinger (Oliver Middle Schooler and member of St. Luke's Church), and accompanied by the holiday songs of Bella Viola (Oliver Middle School Student). “This is just the way Mrs. Holmes would have wanted it,” Albrecht said. “She loved kids.”

Christopher W. Albrecht was named “2018 New York State Teacher of the Year.” The honor was in part for dedication to students and this kind of innovative activity involving his fourth- graders at Brockport’s Hill School and older students. Albrecht and the students have occasionally appeared in public giving historically-based presentations that he researches in detail.

Hot chocolate and Christmas cookies will be served. Sponsored by the Western Monroe Historical Society, it is free and open to the public.