Congregational Church, Lee

The tallest steeple in New England is the center point for the quaint, traditional town of Lee, Massachusetts. The church draws people from all walks of life to this cultural hub for classical, folk and jazz events plus community suppers and craft bazaars. A welcoming place for all.

It's been a difficult time medically, and we went 200 miles to Lee just to get away from the unending parade of doctors and hospitals. As we drove through town looking for a place to park, Mar spotted a sign saying: "Concert tonight. 7PM" So we walked into the church and sat in the crowded sanctuary underneath banners proclaiming Justice and Love. This wasn6the typical Christmas pageant with hordes of singing children. There were about 35 adults, 2 excellent flutists, and a versatile combo. They sang and played a variety of songs and styles. As we entered, they were singing a Polish Christmas Polka, and a gaily garbed couple danced the polka up and down the aisles. At times, they sounded like a Black gospel choir -- a sound we didn't expect in an all white, New England church. The Hebrew songs reminded us of cookouts with Israeli friends of ours. What this choir had, and what the congregation offered, was pure joy from everywhere. And when a soloist began Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah " I noticed Mar crying. But NOT from despair. It was relief and joy and warmth and hope and fellowship. It was everything we needed. So before heading home to NY and weeks of doctors and hospitals, I stopped by the church to take a few pictures for mementos, and to thank them for the love and warmth they shared with a couple passing through whom they didn't even know.