BURRILLVILLE – The Victorian-era church opened its doors in December of 1886, and was transformed into Colonial style in 1933 by mill owner Austin T. Levy, and although the awesome edifice known as First Universalist Church of Burrillville no longer hosts a congregation or weekly services, courtesy of primarily one family in town that takes care of the antiquated building, for particular events, including a special service each December, the place on Main Street in Harrisville is still open to the public.
On Friday, Dec. 19, a sparse dozen or so individuals were seated in the cavernous church as seasonal music was performed, when, minutes later, just before the lighting of the historic chandelier for the annual Candlelight Christmas service, the pews were almost all-at-once filled. Ken Hopkins, a janitor for the building, performed the lighting ritual.
His daughter, Kerry Hopkins, was at the entrance to the festively decorated church, greeting attendees with her aunt, Burrillville historian Betty Mencucci.
“It’s amazing to see the people come out in support of the church, and for the service and lighting of the historic chandelier,” Kerry said.
Like her father Ken and aunt Betty, Kerry notes she’s had “a strong connection over years” to the church, going back to her Sunday school days at First Universalist, where her parents were also married.
Another married couple, Gerard LeDoux and Joy Williams of Providence, had recently attended the church’s open mic night, explained Williams. The duo was apparently were so impressed that they volunteered to performed Christmas carols for the annual candlelight service. Williams plays the flute, and her husband plays the cello.
Seasonal music was also performed by a group consisting of three choirs. Musical members of local churches, Our Lady of Good Help, St. Theresa’s and St. John’s Church filled several pews on Friday – and their music filled the church.
“My choirs look forward to it more and more every year,” explained Peter La Moire organist/pianist and leader of the choirs about the candlelight service. La Morie’s organ playing was accompanied by that of Donna Armstrong, guitarist for St John’s.
He lauded “the community feel, in the name of the Lord” of the melodious Christmas service.
The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the instrument of choice for a quartet performing at the service known as Dulcimea.
Ellen Pratt of Killingly, Conn. established the group, and she participates in the First National Dulcimer organization that meets online. Carol Rossetti of Thompson, Conn. explained the dulcimer is “a soft instrument, very easy to pick up,” and the group plays four different parts.
Lois Peterson of Pawtucket established the local group of musicians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In fact, they were “very happy” to play together at the church service, said Paula Brisell of Chepachet. The group’s inspirational music, which originated in another part of the USA, seemed to perfectly fit at the 19th century church in northern Rhode Island.
A moment the crowd in the church was awaiting arrived.
Following tradition, Ken Hopkins slowly climbed up the 20 foot or more ladder to the chandelier.
The people in the pews down below seemed to sit on the edge of their seats, literally or figuratively. The church maintenance man as well as a patriarch, with lighter in hand, skillfully lit each candle of the chandelier that’s about the size of small round dining table. Hopkins is also responsible each week for winding the clock that sits atop the church, seemingly watching history unfold from its perch at the base of steeple that towers over Harrisville.
Lay Minister Kerry Hopkins led the Candleight service. Mencucci gave an update on the church and recited “Christmas Carol” a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Readings were given by Mary Gear, Adena Dannouf and Monica Clark-Robinson.
The ritual lighting is a part of the annual Candlelight Christmas service at the historic church with no congregation, which is nonetheless lovingly maintained by Hopkins and family, who periodically open the doors to the public. Beyond keeping history alive at Christmas at the church, the family also helps bring Burrillville history to the people; Mencucci provides a plethora of informative programs year round at various places in town. Meanwhile, First Universalist Church of Burrillville is accepting donations; next year America will celebrate its 250th birthday, and the church in Harrisville will reach its one hundred thirty-ninth year of existence.
For more information, including how to donate, call (401) 500-0433 or (401) 749-8700, visit Facebook.com/FirstUniversalistChurchBurrillville or email FirstUnivChurchBurrillville@gmail.com.
The post Photos: Service of music & candlelight mark Christmas tradition at historic Harrisville church first appeared on NRI NOW.
