Nearby Parish Welcomes Those Seeking Comfort, Peace

Anyone who has visited First Parish Wayland knows that the afternoon sunlight streaming through the second floor windows of the meetinghouse makes for a serene, beautiful setting.

It's a setting in which a handful of individuals sat together Wednesday afternoon, some talking quietly, others with heads bowed and a few who offered words from a single microphone beside a table of candles.

They came together in honor and memory of the victimes of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Art Hague, a Framingham resident, stepped to the mic to share words that he came across in his youth and has held close throughout his life.

"Faith is how you know where you're going. Hope is what keeps you going. Love is how you get there," Hague shared, before returning to his seat in a pew near the front.

First Parish announced Tuesday its plans to open its doors from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday.

"Come for the quiet, for the communion with others, light a candle if you wish," the announcement reads. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by yesterday’s events."

Ministerial Intern Daryl Bridges was one of two First Parish staff members who were present during the memorial time. At about 5 p.m., Bridges rose to light a new candle, saying it was for "all the emergency personnel who have and continue to sacrifice their time and talents in this crisis."

His candle's flame became one of several flickering in memory and in honor of those affected by Monday's bombing.