Staff Writer
In the aftermath of Caribou’s Sesquicentennial Parade, the amazing community barbecue and superior fireworks show that all took place Saturday, Sept. 5, one might think that Sunday, Sept. 6, the city would be feeling a bit of a let down — not the case.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
The service was spoken by Kathryn Olmstead of the Unitarian/Universalist Church.
As citizens entered the Caribou Performing Arts Center that Sunday afternoon, the sound of “Gathering Music,” greeted them. With members of Caribou Ecumenical Band playing traditional hymns, event-goers took their seats.
As clergy members filed in preceded by the ecumenical choir, a sense of belonging and calm seemed to filter over the theatre.
Rev. Lynne Josselyn greeted the congregation, commenting on the enjoyment the city had experienced over the prior two weeks (and month) of 150th Celebration events, noting the work and leadership of John and Andrea Swanberg. The retired Methodist minister continued her introduction to the afternoon program by adding, “ Our forebearers came here, they had visions and they brought us here.”
The service, from the, “Gloria Patri,” was spoken by Kathryn Olmstead, representing the Unitarian/ Universalist Church; Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church; and Rev. Thomas Bentum of the Gray Memorial Methodist Church.
Also participating in the Ecumenical Service were Rev. Tony Searles of the Assembly of God Church; Rev. John Kiehn representing the Caribou United Baptist Church; Deacon Burnam Morrell of the Faith Lutheran Church and Rev. Jeryln Williams from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
“As it was in the beginning,” — Kathryn Olmstead spoke of High Street which in early days was a mere path through the woods, settlers saw the potential for farming and lumbering. They came with enormous faith and created many trails. She spoke of 1843 when Ivory Hardison’s barn was the site of early church meetings, of his wife Dorcas and their seven children and the fact they were staunch Universalists.
Continuing, Olmstead told of the timeline when names including Collins and Vaughn became part of the city’s history and of the Lyndon union Meeting House which was the site for town meetings, school and church; how pews were sold for $50 -$100 each and described the vents built beneath the pews that could be opened to allow parishioners to warm their feet.
“It is now,” — Father Jean-Paul Labrie began his segment of the program by stating, “Give us this day,” a statement that is a great summary of the Old Testament, reminding us of our obligations and responsibilities. “In Caribou, the real blessing, the real wealth, is the people of the community. This last week is an indication of what is here. Now is the moment, the 150th Celebration is the affirmation to the good of the pioneers and ancestors — with quiet confidence all will be well in the future,” he assured.
“And Ever Shall be,” — Rev. Thomas Bentum delivered the third portion of the afternoon service by reminding the congregation, “Some things don’t last, some things do. Fads, fashions, music, even church come and go. Live for things that last,” he encouraged.
An offering was taken following the service, with all donations going to the Caribou Ecumenical Food Pantry. The closing hymn, “Standing on the Promises,” was sung prior to the Benediction given by Rev. Josselyn. The Ecumenical Band played the recessional, “Just a Closer Walk with Three,”
At the conclusion of the service, a time of fellowship was held in the lobby.
It would be remiss not to note that one selection from the “Gathering Music,” was the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” during which those in attendance joined voices creating an energy that seemed to achieve its strength from not only those singing but from the voices of all those who had the visions and faith to settle here in what is now the city of Caribou over the last 150 years.
Members of the Ecumenical Band included: Angela Searles, piano; Larry Conrad, drums; Carl Gallagher, saxophone; Leo Kashian, flute; Ann Kashian, trumpet; Bernard Rafford, bass guitar; Rick Taylor, electric guitar; Duane Anderson, acoustic guitar and Lynne Josselyn, clarinet.
Ecumenical Choir members from the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church included; Deneane Bentum, Mary Lou Brown, Marjie Edgecomb, Robert Ellinwood, Kathleen Forbes, Claire Hodgkins, Bobbi Pelletier, Del Ramey, Robert Sawyer and Ivan Shaw.
Representing the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in the Ecumenical Choir were: Wendy Bossie, Andrea Gallagher, Juanita Goetz, Richard Mattila, Bob Soucy and Peg Winston.
Choir members from the United Baptist Church were Duane Anderson, Kristi Herron and Nancy Todd.
Ecumenical Choir member Mary Kirkpatrick represented the Unitarian/Universalist Church.
Others involved with the Ecumenical Service, celebrating Caribou’s Sesquicentennial were: Margaret Cyr, Ecumenical Choir director and pianist; Bobbi Pelletier, bulletin design (printing by Office Max); Deb Sirois and Sue Stedt, greeters and refreshments.
Rev. Lynne Josselyn was the Sesquicentennial Ecumenical service coordinator.
Noyes’ Plant and Flower Shoppe provided peace lilies used to decorate the CPAC stage and all churches provided banners, flowers and refreshments.
