By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The church bell of Christ Church, Lion’s Head rang 96 times on September 19, 2022, the day of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.
Members of the community were invited to join together in marking the solemn occasion. Twenty-two persons took turns ringing the bell, for a total of 96 times, one for every year of Queen Elizabeth’s life, with 30 seconds of silence between the ringing of the bells. Local resident Rod Barr was the time keeper and counter of the bell peals, while George Bowman assisted those pulling the bell rope.
The tolling of the bell commenced at 11:55 a.m. and ended at 12:43 p.m. To conclude the event the bell ringers and onlookers, accompanied by Elaine White on piano, sang “God Save the King”.
Along with many Anglican Churches in Canada, Christ Church is providing a Book of Condolences for everyone in the community to sign.
“Everyone is invited to sign the book. We have condolence cards if you want to write one, and we are hoping to have a condolence box made by local craftsmen to contain whatever memories, messages and momentos you may want to send to the family. The box will be sent to Buckingham Palace in early December” says Alison Knight, Churchwarden of Christ Church.
Knight expressed her appreciation for everyone’s support for the event.
