St. Mary’s Church Bells Rang in the New Year

The bell at St. Mary's Church across from Washington Park came to life again on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Thanks to ringers Steve Ridler and Peter Hamlin, the bell resounded once more throughout the neighborhood as it had done for more than a hundred years until the church's decommissioning about 12 years ago. The current building owner, Peter Jenkins, gave special permission for the neighborhood to ring the bells during the holidays and also to light up the church's intricate rose window.

All told, around 50 people turned out for the occasion, including neighbors and former parishioners, some coming from as far away as Clifton Park. To hear their cheers, it was clear that the bell brought out feelings of delight and hope that, in this pandemic time, 2022 will prove to be a good year.