Franklin County churches are taking part in a national call to ring their bells Tuesday in memory of those who have died from COVID-19.
The First Parish Unitarian Church of Northfield, Trinity Church in Shelburne Falls and the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield are among the churches planning to ring their bells starting at 5:30 p.m.
In addition, members of the Northfield church, at the corner of Main Street and Parker Avenue, will hold a candlelight vigil outside from 5:30 to 6 p.m. to honor frontline workers who have worked tirelessly to care for those in need.
“This is in response to what the president-elect invited people to do,” said Tony Stavely, a member of the First Parish Unitarian Church’s board of directors. “We felt it was important to participate.”
President-elect Joe Biden is planning a lighting ceremony Tuesday at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C to honor those who lost their lives due to COVID-19. As of Friday, the virus has resulted in 389,000 deaths nationwide.
In a statement, the Presidential Inaugural Committee invited communities across the country to join Washington, D.C. in lighting up buildings and ringing church bells at 5:30 p.m. in “a national moment of unity and remembrance.”
“Our bells signal our remembrance of those lost; our candles signal our gratitude and our fresh hope with the lengthening of the days and the prospect of relief and new beginnings in the near future,” reads a press release from the First Parish Unitarian Church’s board of directors.
While the Northfield church typically rings its bells before each Sunday service, the bells have been silent since the pandemic began, at which time the church transitioned to online services.
“This is a moment when the bells will send a message of remembrance and hope to the whole community,” the release continues.
In Shelburne Falls, the Rev. Marguerite Sheehan said in a notice that she and other Trinity Church members will take turns ringing their bell, a old-fashioned system with one rope that “takes some muscle.” The plan, she said, is to ring the bell once for each Franklin County resident who has died of COVID-19 — 94 people, as of Jan. 14.
“This national and local event also calls for light displays, such as luminaries or holiday lights,” Sheehan added.
Those who would like to take part in Trinity Church’s event are advised to contact Shelburne resident Jackie Walsh at shelburnejackieb@gmail.com.
Likewise, at Greenfield’s Second Congregational Church, Doug Clarke and his ringers will ring the bell once for ever life lost to COVID-19 in Franklin County, according to a press release from Sandy Thomas, a member of the congregation. Leea and Ellie Snape will create and light luminaria to be displayed on the church lawn for the duration of the tolling. Masks and social distancing will be required of anyone who’d like to see the lighting.
At the First Parish Unitarian Church’s vigil, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Electric candles will be provided. Those who are not able to join but wish to share the sentiments are encouraged to add a porch light or window illumination at 5:30 p.m.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.