Ice Candle Memorial Service helps bring comfort at Christmastime

Tim Brody - Editor

The soft glow of ice candles lit up the night at local churches and cemeteries on Dec. 20 as part of Sioux Lookout’s annual Ice Candle Memorial Service.

A service to remember and honour area residents departed in the past year, as well as loved ones departed in years past, the service began at St. Andrew’s United Church, proceeded to St. Mary’s Anglican Church and concluded at Sacred Heart Parish. 

The three-part service, led by members of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Sacred Heart Parish, St. Andrew’s United Church and St. Mary’s Anglican Church, included scripture readings, hymns, and the lighting of memorial candles. 

Ice candles prepared by members of the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout were placed in front of each of the three churches, as well as atop snow pyramids at Sacred Heart / Northway Cemetery and Hillcrest Cemetery.

Reverend Deacon Muriel Anderson, who led the portion of the service held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, said she felt the service went quite well.

“I think all of the churches that participated felt that same way, that’s for sure,” she added.

Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout Treasurer Susan Barclay said approximately 190 candles were purchased as memorials. Funds raised through ice candle sales will support local Rotary projects and initiatives.

“Basically, it’s to support the community at this time of year… it gives people an opportunity to remember and it’s important for the community to know our roots and remember our roots,” Barclay concluded.