Stolen Nativity Scene Recovered After Tires Go Flat on Glenn Highway

A handcrafted nativity scene worth tens of thousands of dollars was recovered Thursday night after being stolen from a Palmer, Alaska, church parking lot. The wooden crèche cabin, which houses figures valued at $25,000 to $30,000, was found abandoned near the Glenn Highway in Chickaloon.

The scene disappeared sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday while sitting on a flatbed trailer at St. Michael’s Parish. Father Michael Shields said the theft became known quickly as posts spread across Facebook. The online activity generated tips from residents across the valley, stretching from Glennallen to Valdez.

One tip placed the missing property along the Glenn Highway near Chickaloon. Shields reported receiving the information at 1 p.m. on Thursday. He drove to the location to look for the scene but did not see it. Palmer police officers, who were also searching the area, located the crèche shortly after.

The police contacted Shields to confirm the find. The nativity scene was still in good condition when officers discovered it partially hidden among trees. Shields believes the thieves abandoned the setup after the trailer’s tires went flat. The identity of the individuals who took the property remains unknown.

The figures in the cabin were molded after an Italian image of Jesus. Parishioners built and paid for the structure over a period of seven years. Shields described the recovery as a Christmas miracle because he had feared the property was lost.

The pastor noted that the community response showed strong concern and hope. He said the nativity scene will now be installed near the Palmer train depot in the center of town.

The scene was last seen at the parish on Tuesday or Wednesday. It was confirmed found on Thursday night. The wooden cabin and its figures are intact following the recovery.