A pause for reflection at the start of the holiday season.

The annual Candlelight Christmas Walking Tour of Churches, sponsored by the Lawrence County Historical Society, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1. Historical society member Debbie Rogers said 100-150 people take part each year, many of whom participate faithfully every year.

“For many people, this is the start of the holiday season and it’s a tradition,” she explained.

“Its one of the things they do every year and don’t want to miss it.”

The theme this year is “The pilgrimage of the faithful.”

The annual event begins at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Fifth and Vernon streets, then continues at 5:20 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Fifth Street and Park Avenue, at 5:40 p.m. at First Methodist Church, Fifth and Center streets, at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Fifth and Railroad streets, at 6:20 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sixth and Center streets, at 6:40 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, at 7 p.m. at Gateway Baptist Church and 7:20 p.m. at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Historical society members dressed in period costumes lead the way along a candlelit path between the churches. At each stop, holiday songs are sung and leaders at each church give brief remarks on the holiday season and remarks as well on the history of their congregation.

Refreshments will be served at the museum, 506 S. Sixth St., following the church walk.

Rogers said this year the museum has been decorated with the theme “A Christmas Carol,” each room having a familiar Christmas song as the inspiration for its adornments.

“The dining room is ‘Blue Christmas’ and the kitchen is done up in ‘The Nutcracker’,” Rogers said. “It is so beautiful and I think people will like what they see.”