​Knox Kincardine marks 107th Ringing of the Peace Bell

Kincardine celebrated the 107th Ringing of the Peace Bell, Tuesday evening, at Knox Presbyterian Church.

In 2018, Knox welcomed the community to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, with the ringing of the peace bell 100 times on the evening of Remembrance Day.

This year, a good crowd gathered in the sanctuary as piper Leslie Ray of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band marched in the Legion Colour Party which included Kevin Martin, Dave Dechene, Dave Carson, and Nicole Chessell, with sergeant-at-arms Kirk Rutledge.



Piper Leslie Ray of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band leads the Kincardine Legion Colour Party into the sanctuary at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, for the Ringing of the Peace Bell service, Tuesday evening

Mike Chreptyk welcomed everyone, followed by the singing of “O Canada.” Brian Tovey (right) played the harmonica while the names and photos of soldiers from the Kincardine area, who died in the First World War, were shown on the screen.

A musical ensemble of Kathy Fraser, Nicole Reid, Gillian Dent, Leslie Ray, Jim Newman, Rad Michielson, Andy Fraser and John Low, sang “Abide With Me,” and later, a stirring rendition of “We Rise Again.” The men’s chorus also sang “Christmas 1915.”

Taking part in the bell-ringing, were Betty Haugh and Judy Chreptyk, while the sanctuary was in darkness and images of poppies were projected on the ceiling.

Following a prayer and farewell by Rev. Dan West, pipers Terry Reid and Andy Fraser joined in playing “Highland Cathedral,” and piper Leslie Ray led the Legion Colour Party from the sanctuary.



Pipers Leslie Ray, Andy Fraser and Terry Reid of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band perform "Highland Cathedral" as the Colour Party leaves the sanctuary, at the end of the service



The Kincardine Legion Colour Party prepares to leave the sanctuary; from left, are Dave Carson, Kevin Martin, Nicole Chessell and Dave Dechene, with sergeant-at-arms Kirk Rutledge



Judy Chreptyk (left) and Betty Haugh ring the peace bell 107 times



The music ensemble includes Gillian Dent (left), Nicole Reid, Leslie Ray, Kathy Fraser, Rad Michielson, John Low, Jim Newman and Andy Fraser



Poppies cover the ceiling in the sanctuary as the bells peal out