Sunrise Service At Abington Cemetery Is An Easter Tradition (original) (raw)

It was dark when the Rev. Dr. Bruce Hedman pulled into the Abington Cemetery on Easter morning. The minister of the Abington Congregational Church was readying for a sunrise service, a tradition dating back too many years to recall.

Deacons John Carter and John Fulsom joined him. The men pulled out speakers and microphones, a lectern and programs. The horizon went from black to a dark shade of gray. The outlines of trees surrounding the cemetery grew clearer. Names became distinct on the tombstones. Birdsong started. First a few notes, then more different calls and songs. The chorus got fuller with every passing minute.

By 6:30 a.m., a line of cars snaked around the cemetery service road. People greeted one another. The time and temperature hadn’t dissuaded them. They got out of their cars wearing winter coats, hats and gloves. It was only 34 degrees.

Hedman addressed nearly 40 people gathered before him. A sea of gravestones surrounded the worshippers. “Alleluia!” Hedman said. “Christ is risen.”

Old and young, church members and non-members, the people sang hymns, recited prayers and listened as Hedman gave his sermon.

“Because Christ was laid in a tomb, he hallows our graves,” Hedman said. “Because he rose, we have the same hope of rising again.”

James Platt, one of the older members of the congregation, has been attending the Easter sunrise service for more than 50 years. As a youngster, he used to pump the bellows for the organ whenever the organist wanted to play a song.

“This sunrise celebration is a tradition,” he said. “It’s an interesting service.”

Donna Santerre said the cemetery was an appropriate spot for an Easter sunrise service that celebrates resurrection. “It means a lot more to be here,” she said, gesturing to the gravestones.

After the ceremony, Hedman invited everyone back to church for coffee and donuts. He spoke with some of his parishioners as he packed up his car. A young girl carried a bouquet of yellow daffodils towards a stone near the rear of the cemetery. A couple stopped to pay their respects at another tombstone. Slowly the cars made their way back out to Route 44.

Originally Published: April 4, 2016 at 9:57 AM EST