Up to 350 people celebrated the return of a Christian-themed Christmas message on a fire district office reader board in Oakville this week.
The sign board at Grays Harbor Fire District No. 1 sparked controversy after an anonymous complaint said the message reading “Unto Us a Savior is Born, Merry Christmas,” was inappropriate and a violation of the separation of church and state.
The complaint was received by Commissioner Dave Edwards. It stated there could be legal repercussions due to the message. Later, Fire Chief Kevin Witt promptly removed the sign and unplugged the holiday lights that adorned a nearby tree.
A post on Facebook detailing the situation garnered 50,000 views and more than 390 comments in support of the sign and the message, said the fire district’s Public Information Officer Shawn Burdett.
Between 300 and 350 people attended the fire district commissioners’ regular meeting on Monday night to voice their support for the sign, Burdett said.
With Oakville’s population at approximately 700 people, he said the support was overwhelming.
“With a town of that size, that speaks very loudly,” he said.
Residents carrying signs displaying the message filled the meeting room, as did several police officers and someone dressed as Santa Claus.
“There was definitely some very passionate people, but I think that was needed and it was wonderful,” Burdett said. “At the end of the meeting, it was decided that it had to be put to a motion to have the sign restored.”