Our long-time member Shirley Boeheim, who now lives in Candler, North Carolina, decided to donate the entire cost of a new set of Schulmerich handchimes (top of the line!) to our church in honor of her father, The Rev. Dr. John E. Wood and The Rev. Dr. Emerson H. Lalone. You can read more about these 2 men on our website.The following is from Shirley:
The two ministers I chose to honor [with this donation] were both active in the denomination and preached from this pulpit: The Rev. Dr. Emerson H. Lalone and [my father] The Rev. Dr. John E. Wood.
The Rev. Dr. Emerson H. Lalone served as minister from 1929 to 1937 before going to the Boston Headquarters where he became editor of The Universalist Leader and was active in denominational affairs. He authored the book, “And Thy Neighbor As Thyself – A Story of Universalist Social Action,” published in 1939. His burial plot is in the Evergreen Cemetery and has his quote,”Time comes when a man must turn his back on the light of his hearth and go into the night through the rain to lay his gifts upon the alter.” A mentor to many.
The Rev. Dr. John E. Wood was a half a generation older than Max Coots and moved from Massachusetts to the Watertown congregation the same year Max came to Canton. He preached here and was honored by St. Lawrence with the Doctor of Divinity Degree for the work he’d done in Massachusetts. Among other things, he’d served on the Merger Committees that blended Unitarianism and Universalism. He was selected to write a Lenten Manual one year, entitled “Spiritual Embers.”
So both honorees enjoyed the warmth and loveliness of this “House of Worship” and gave of themselves and their talents to its continuing growth. It is with their faith and spirit that I make this heartfelt contribution. I appreciate the opportunity to do so. I’m certain the music generated will be glorious.
We’ll have a special dedication of the new handchimes on Sunday, November 11 and we’ll play them along with the newly-refurbished bells. We’ll finish the service with a special change-ringing “extravaganza,” using all of the bells and the handchimes!
Anyone interested in playing Handbells may contact Theresa Witmer.