A church in Lancaster is offering a distinctive gift option this holiday season: limited edition origami peace crane ornaments created from retired hymnals. These ornaments are part of a fundraising initiative aimed at restoring the historic sanctuary of the First Church of Lancaster, which was established in 1653.
Wil Darcangelo, the minister of the First Church of Lancaster, crafted the cranes using pages from hymnals of the Bulfinch Meetinghouse. This church, designed by the renowned architect Charles Bulfinch in 1816 and dedicated on January 1, 1817, is recognized as an American architectural masterpiece and is listed on the National Historic Register.
Available for $25 each, these ornaments are the first in a series of four, set to be released each Christmas leading up to the church’s 375th anniversary in 2028. Darcangelo plans to produce 250 ornaments each holiday season, with all proceeds directed toward the sanctuary restoration fund.
Upcoming Bell Choir Concert
In addition to the ornament fundraiser, the church will host a bell choir concert titled “With Bell’s On!” featuring Lavender Darcangelo, Wil’s adopted daughter and a finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” The concert is scheduled for December 13, 2023, at 19:00, and will include performances by the Pilgrim Bell Choir of Southborough, led by Carla Mason.
“This will be a beautiful experience,” Wil Darcangelo expressed, noting that this is the first bell choir concert held at the church. He highlighted the historical significance of hand bells, which originated in England around the time the Lancaster settlement was established in the 17th century.
Lavender, excited to perform with the bell choir, remarked, “I’ve performed with many different kinds of instruments before, but never ones with such a sound like this. It’s like what singing in heaven must be like!”
Tickets for the concert are priced at $20, with children under 12 admitted free. They can be purchased at the door or in advance via the church’s website, firstchurchlancasterma.org/events/with-bells-on.
A Commitment to Restoration
The inspiration behind the origami ornaments stems from Wil Darcangelo’s fascination with folding peace cranes, linked to a Japanese legend that grants wishes to those who fold a thousand of them. The church’s volunteer coordinator, Win Clark, suggested using retired hymnals for this initiative, leading to the creation of the 1,000 cranes for the fundraiser.
Darcangelo, who has deep roots in Lancaster, noted that his ancestors were among the original founding families. His commitment to the church’s restoration is personal, as he aims to preserve the sanctuary for future generations.
The anticipated cost of the restoration project is estimated at $1.25 million. Wil Darcangelo outlined the necessary renovations, which include restoring the beautiful plaster work, undertaking expensive painting, and fully restoring all sanctuary windows.
“Now it’s time to turn to the sanctuary,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this historic structure. To date, the church has sold approximately 50 origami peace crane ornaments, with sales expected to increase as the holiday season approaches.
The First Church of Lancaster, with its rich history and commitment to preservation, continues to engage the community through creative fundraising efforts and cultural events, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.