Happy Birthday America! It was a great day in Templeton, MA at the First Church.
I have to say that this is the first time I have attended this event at the First Church and I also will say it was well worth it. 
The church was packed with community leaders, neighbors, friends, family and our State Senator and Representatives. It was filled with anticipation and a definite air of patriotism. The readers were all assembled outside along with the Pastor, singers, official bell toller and Mr. Weidle who would welcome all of us on this great day and take us back to that great day in the history of America.
After this, the song America was sung by Brittany Stewart and Dan Rodriguez and I have to say it was moving to hear and really set the stage for just was a meaningful experience this would be. Here is a brief excerpt of video I took, it’s not very long and it’s kind of soft volume, but really their voices were just amazing:
After the song the Paster gave the invocation and then all neighbors, friends and family gathered in that sanctuary sang the National Anthem and it was very special. I looked around at everyone singing and it was another moving 
moment to realize that together we make such a great community with UNITY really making a statement. What a great way to honor the sacrifices so many have made and are still making today. Mr. Wiedle then introduced Senator Brewer and Representatives Gobi and Andrews and each of them spoke very passionately about serving and our town and why we celebrate this great day.
Mr. Henshaw then came walking down the center aisle and rang the bell saying Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear Ye and announce the proclamation which then 30 readers proceeded to recite the Declaration of Independence. There was a great representation of young, old, military, community service leaders, educators, business owners ~ a true reflection of all that we are in the town of Templeton.
We then sang a final Hymn ~ God Bless America and then Mr. Henshaw rang the church bell. That again was so inspiring!
The townspeople then gathered on the Common to have ice cream provided by Charles Carroll, owner of the Templeton Country Store (did you know there was a Charles Carroll that signed the Declaration?) ~ THANKS CHARLIE!
I would have to say that this was definitely worth sharing with Zach and my husband. This is an annual community event not to be missed! Thank you to everyone that participated and to Carol and Russ Stanley for the time they put in to planning it. Here are just a few photos from today’s event.
Real estate or Local Information questions? Find me ...On Facebook ...On twitter ...Email me at 1tuesdaygirl@gmail.com ...or call 978-430-2751
