Massillon Community Candlelight Walk returns after two-year hiatus

MASSILLON ‒ After a two-year hiatus, the Community Candlelight Walk returns this weekend.

Nine historic downtown churches and other organizations will open their doors for the self-guided tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

"It's our first one since 2019 and we hope to revive everything from the very traditional event," organizer Margy Vogt said. "It's just the way people remember it and live it."

The 2020 installment was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers had hoped to bring the annual event back last year, but as the number of cases began to rise again they changed course and canceled.

"We are glad that it is coming back," Vogt said. "We have only had positive feedback."

Community Candlelight Walk offers look inside historic downtown churches, entertainment

Since 2001, the candlelight walk has welcomed attendees into local downtown churches to enjoy musical ensembles and tours.

The event kicks off with a pre-walk concert at 4 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ on the city's west side.

"They are so enthusiastic and want to participate," Vogt said. "They are just too far to be part of the walk. But we really appreciate them and it's a lovely program."

After the hour-long concert, guests are invited to make their way to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 322 Third Street SE, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 226 Third Street SE, Central Presbyterian Church, 47 Second Street NE, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 127 Cherry Road NE.

Each church will provide different musical offerings from choirs, soloists or hand-bell choirs and lessons about the church, its religion and historic buildings.

First United Methodist Church, 301 Lincoln Way E, will again host the Massillon Railroad Club and its model train display. It's a favorite tour stop for many visitors, Vogt said.

Vogt said participants can check out the peripheral things such as the carolers on the steps of the Massillon Public Library and the puppet show at Massillon Connections, 308 Erie St. S.

As walkers hit historic Fourth Street, which will be lined with 900 luminarias, they can stop off in the historic Five Oaks Mansion, home of the Massillon Woman's Club, to see the century-old home decorated for the holiday season.

The Massillon Museum will once again serve as the official refreshment and warming station. Guests can pop into the museum and enjoy free cookies, cocoa and coffee and the a cappella music of Sing Stark's Vox Audio.

Choose your own path for the Community Candlelight Walk

Vogt said visitors can start anywhere on the self-guided tour but to avoid crowds she suggests starting in the middle of the loop.

Whatever route you take, participants will want to make their way to St. Mary Church, 206 Cherry Road NE, by 7:45 for the festival of music and candle lighting ceremony.

The well-attended event will include the music from the Washington High School Choir and Washingtonians, the Franklin Street 16th Street Singers led by Julie Dewald and the combined choirs of St. Joseph, St. Mary and St. Barbara parishes.

"This is the first time all three church choirs will be combined for the event," Vogt said.

During this year's event, Alexandra Nicholis Coon, executive director of the Massillon Museum, will be honored at the ceremony by lighting the candle.

Each year, the honorary community candlelighter is selected from nominations submitted by the public for outstanding contributions to Massillon.

"Alex received a couple of nominations but the most important reason that we look at her as a committee is that she is such a spark of collaboration and a positive attitude," Vogt said. "For the museum and the whole community, she is always looking for ways to work with other organizations and bring the community together."

Nicholis Coon said she was shocked when she learned she would be lighting the candle this year.

"I am incredibly honored. This community has really adopted me and I am grateful beyond measure for everything it has given me as a transport," she said. "To be part of something that is such a community-minded event with all of the churches and businesses coming together to appreciate the beauty of the holidays and share their spaces with everyone and to be part of that is really special."

Before lighting the candle, Nicholis Coon will be spending time at the museum greeting guests.

"This is always one of my favorite Massillon events," she said.

All are free and open to the public.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon Community Candlelight Walk returns Sunday after 2-year break