NEWRY – “Rock of Ages” and “Amazing Grace” were a few of the old standby hymns sung by about 15 people attending Newry’s closing bicentennial event Sunday afternoon in the Community Church.
“It was a very pleasant way to conclude the festivities,” said Selectman Wendy Hanscom on Sunday evening. The three-day event began Friday.
After nearly an hour of singing to the accompaniment of organist Nancy Anderson, Hanscom said her father-in-law, Rodney Hanscom, gave a blessing, ending the celebration.
Newry, which was incorporated in 1805, celebrated its 200th birthday with a history presentation and ice cream social Friday night; a pancake breakfast, parade, live music and Maine humor, raffle, baked bean supper, cookout and fireworks display on Saturday; and Sunday’s hymn sing.
“The fireworks were spectacular. We had several nice compliments. The fireworks were fired off at 9 o’clock as the Wicked Good Band was winding up,” she said.
Karlene Bachelder of Newry won the pictorial history bicentennial quilt of the town, which was made by Joyce Roma.
“All in all, we only heard nice things from people. We wanted to create the atmosphere of a family reunion, and, I think we succeeded,” Wendy Hanscom said.
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