Churches, re-open carefully

I attend a Lutheran Church (Salem) founded by Swedish immigrants in 1886. Several years ago the church council took on a project to help prepare the congregation for developing a mission statement. The council retrieved old church records, council meeting notes as well as annual meeting documents to prepare some foundational work to be used during the process.

The impact of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic was devastating. Loss of life, jobs, food sacristy and fear shook the community. The local health district issued mitigation rules. The churches were allowed to continue to hold services but the singing of hymns by the congregation was disallowed. They believed that singing dispersed the virus broadly, much like a cough would. In time even the gatherings were stopped.

As we prepare to reopen our places of worship I hope we consider the risk posed by singing hymns. It’s been a long wait for the congregations and I know that when it’s time to join our voices in praise it will come from our hearts. The six-foot rule will not be enough. I hope that the people of faith will consider this and find an alternative. Possibly read the hymns. Many read like prayers and leave images that can last a lifetime.

Carl Larson

Spokane