A beloved Saint John landmark and Christmas tradition won’t be lighting up this year or ever again.
Christmas icon ‘Murphyville’ will no longer be maintained by Donald Coholan.
Karen Bethune tells CHSJ news every Christmas Eve since the 1960’s she’s gone to see the holiday display and now takes her own kids there. She says she’s disappointed it will be gone, but understands it’s a lot to take care of.
Bethune says her late uncle donated a picture of the Agony in the Garden in memory of his wife, and she was contacted by the Coholan’s to see if she would like it back.
The display was built over 40 years ago by the late M–L-A Lou Murphy. Bethune remembers going to church with Murphy and says Murphyville is a legacy to a great man.
A Facebook page called “Save Murphyville” has since been created, where people can share their memories and show support.
