Jan 20

Jan 20 St. Mary’s Bell Tolls for COVID Remembrance

Everette Haddad, Boy Scout 2nd class and member of Troop 41, pulled the thick rope of St. Mary’s bell 40 times, once for each 10,000 COVID-19 deaths. Submitted photo.

At 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kinston tolled the bell for Americans who have died from COVID-19. The ceremony was part of a nationwide call to remember the 400,000 people who have died in the United States as a result of the pandemic. President-Elect Biden and Vice-President-Elect Harris held a candle-lighting ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial which was followed by the bells of Washington’s National Cathedral tolling 400 times to honor the country's dead. Cities, towns, and communities nationwide were also invited to join in the memorial by ringing their own bells.

Father Tom Warren, Rector of St. Mary’s, offered prayers for the deceased, especially the 83 lives lost in Lenoir County. “The vision of St. Mary’s includes a compassionate response to the needs of all,” said Rev. Warren. “We hope that the ringing of our bell and lifting of prayers, not only for those who have died, but also for those who mourn, the sick, and all care-providers will be a part of supporting our community during this incredibly trying time.”