PRESS RELEASE: PAINTINGS IN THE PARK, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, NOV. 22, 2023
BY: OTTAWA FREEDOM ASSOCIATION LTD.
16 large paintings of the life of Jesus Christ will be displayed in Ottawa’s Washington Square Park this Christmas season. Created in 1956 by the Ottawa Retail Merchants’ Association to keep Christ in Christmas, the 4-foot by 7-foot paintings depict Jesus’ birth, life, and ministry. Each painting is accompanied by a Scripture verse. The Ottawa Freedom Association has erected the paintings each year since 1992 after winning a lengthy court battle. On Saturday, December 2 at 6:30 a.m., The Ottawa Freedom Association, Ottawa Christian Men’s Group, and any who would like to help, will gather at the 1st Presbyterian Church for breakfast. Following breakfast, we will at meet 8:00 AM on the west side of Washington Park to erect the paintings. It is not necessary to join us for breakfast. One may meet at the park at 8:00 am.
The Ottawa Freedom Association welcomes all those attending the Chris Kringle Market to visit and enjoy the message of the paintings.