Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, ApriL 4, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus It’s always a sad occasion for a community when a longtime business or institution closes its doors, especially after two centuries. So it is that the East Saugus United Methodist Church will hold its final service at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday (April 5), ending 211 years of worship at the corner of Winter and Chestnut Streets. It is indeed sad that a church which had been on the front lines of advocating for social causes since its existence is quietly leaving the community. Earlier this week, Laura Eisener, a frequent contributor to The Saugus Advocate who writes our weekly “Saugus Gardens” column, told me that she heard that Sunday would be the last day for the church. Right away, I went on the Internet, looking for confirmation about the church closing, but could find none. Fortunately, Laura, an advocate and writer of all things history in Saugus, offered to write a story for this week’s paper and also submit a few photos, to let our readers know of the passing of what has been an iconic church in Saugus during the town’s history. I remember back in 2023 when the church held a “Pride Rally” to show support for the LGBTQ+ community after a group of kids tried to steal a “Pride flag” sign from the front lawn. The church congregation numbered about 60 at the time. But the rally was a big deal, as the Board of Selectmen, the police chief, church leaders and community leaders showed up at the corner of Winter and Chestnut Streets to stand alongside church members and take a stand for diversity. “Let’s make something good out of something bad that happened,” then-Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano told the crowd as he stood in the doorway on the front steps of the church. Then-Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta read a poem titled “You Are Loved.” The gathering shared prayers, sang songs and watched later as the church’s Board of Trustees Chair Paul Joyce reached out a second floor window of the church to install a “Pride flag” that would be difficult for detractors to reach. “Diversity is our strength and we will not allow acts of hate try Office at 781-233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc. org) for details. Legion Breakfast on Fridays There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2026 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free. This week’s “Shout Outs” We didn’t receive any from our readers this week. So, as editor, I will offer a collective “Shout Out” to all of the members of the East Saugus United Methodist Church – past, present and the departed – who contributed to the betterment of Saugus over the years, particularly people who stood up against any kind of prejudice while welcoming people from all walks of life. TAKING A STAND: East Saugus United Methodist Church Board of Trustees Chair Paul Joyce installed the Pride flag outside a second floor window during a June 21, 2023 “Pride Rally” at the church to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. The church, which has a history of being an active seeker of social justice going back to the days of slavery, will hold its final service at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday, ending 211 years of worship at the corner of Winter and Chestnut Streets. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) to divide us,” then-Pastor Pat Odour said, referring to the sign incident that prompted the “Pride Rally” in front of the church. Pastor Pat gave an inspiring speech that night, which reflected the church’s longtime role in the community. “I always tell my congregation that we are small but mighty,” she told the crowd. “Our church has a history of being an active seeker of social justice going back to the Rev. Sunderland, who was passionate about the abolition of slavery in the 1830s,” she said. “Today we stand united in our commitment to creating a community where everyone can be proud of who they are.” Indeed, town officials and community leaders stood proud that night with members of the East Saugus United Methodist Church and the local LGBTQ+ community in standing up against prejudice and injustice. LGBTQIA is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/ questioning, asexual and more – terms that are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. “We welcome and affirm all of God’s children into this faith community regardless of age, race, ethnicity, economic status, gender or sexual orientation,” Pastor Pat said. “Whoever you are, you are a beloved child of God – at East Saugus UMC everybody is welcome.” And the church will welcome everyone for one final time on Sunday. Best wishes to all of our readers for a happy and safe Easter weekend, Passover and other religious observances. Be well. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, April 3) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food PanWant to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. News from the Democratic Town Committee The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, April 29, at the Saugus Public Library at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the first floor. Coming Spring Attractions: · Serenity Gardens tomorrow at the library: Craft your own miniature world using natural textures, personal expression and a little imagination. Therapy Gardens will be in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library tomorrow (Saturday, April 4), from 10-11 a.m. to guide you through the steps of making your own personal mini garden to take home. Register online at https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events/ This program is supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. · Last Call for Town Meeting Warrant Articles: At its next meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, the Board of Selectmen will be inserting all of the articles to be included on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting set to convene May 4. Citizens who want to submit a warrant article need to go to the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall to get the petition forms, which require 10 signatures of Saugus registered voters. The signed petitions must be validated by the clerk and submitted to the selectmen for acceptance to be inserted in the warrant. Selectmen will officially close the warrant before they adjourn at their April 8 meeting. · Saugus Historical Society meets for its monthly meeting: On Wednesday evening, April 8, Bill Stewart will speak about several less well-known events of the American Revolution – the temporary move of Harvard College to Concord for the duration of the war, and the military career of Deborah Sampson, the Revolutionary War’s only documented female soldier – as well as some other Boston area events of the time. Laura Eisener will also speak briefly about two current events that mark the end of some memorable Saugus traditions. The bleachers at Stackpole Field, where generations of Saugonians watched graduations and football games, were torn down in March. Also, one of the oldest churches in town, the East Saugus Methodist United Methodist Church, will celebrate its final service on Easter Sunday. Its congregation is dispersing to other local houses of worship, and the future of the historic building is in the hands of the Methodist diocese. The Saugus Historical Society welcomes the general public at this program, which begins at 7 p.m. at 30 Main St. Light refreshments will be served. · Books in Bloom at the Saugus Public Library: On Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, this popular event fills both floors of the library with beautiful flowers matched up with colorful books. Sponsored by the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library and Saugus THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 11
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