All Saints In North Adams to Open For Special Christmas Eve Service
 All Saints Episcopal Church is undergoing work after a fire last winter. The city is allowing the church to hold Christmas eve services despite work on the new accessible front entrance being incomplete. |
NORTH ADAMS — All Saints Episcopal Church is giving new meaning to the song "O Come All Ye Faithful" this Christmas Eve.
The Summer Street church, which has not been able to hold services since a February blaze damaged part of the parish center attached to the church building, is holding a Christmas eve service at 7 p.m. The Rev. Libby Wade will be the celebrant.
While the church was not damaged in the fire, some code issues had to be addressed during the larger renovation of the property, rendering it unusable. For example, contractors have been working for weeks on new concrete steps and ramps to provide for handicapped access to the front entrance of the church.
Sue Walker, a member of the church's vestry, told the Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action Initiative meeting on Friday that the service was planned pending approval by the city to allow the building to be used while construction is ongoing.
The church confirmed on its website Monday evening that the service would indeed happen. The posting noted that the handicapped accessible ramps, which were the major code issue that had to be addressed, will not be open. Anyone needing access should contact the church at 413-664-9656 or allsaintsberkshires@verizon.net to make arrangements.
Walker said the parish has been holding church services in conjunction with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the Blackinton section of North Adams.
"It's worked out nicely," she said.
But it wasn't home, and Walker said being able to return in time for the holy day of Christmas is a blessing to the parishioners.
"Everybody's been really great and patient," she said. "It's a wonderful congregation."
Tags: Christmas story, church, religious service,
