Covid-19 memorial at Pleasant Street church

Rev. Barbara Sagat-Stover, Congregational Coordinator at Pleasant Street United Methodist Church (PSUMC), in Waterville, created a COVID-19 memorial after reading about a Madison, Wisconsin, congregation that created a fabric ribbon tribute on the church outdoor railings. Each of those ribbons represented one of over 1,200 individuals who had died from the virus. Barbara says, “PSUMC memorial started as an extension of our desire to have a special memorial for members of PSUMC that have died in the last year.” These people are recognized by name via the blue ribbons in the center of the display. The remaining ribbons each represent an individual who has died in Maine due to the virus.

There are currently 159 ribbons displayed on the memorial, but this number increases with every COVID-19 death in Maine. The ribbons are all colors and patterns representing the unique gifts and talents of all the people we have lost. Currently the ribbons for the Maine people lost are anonymous, but they would like to personalize them if family or friends supply the names of those lost to the virus.

The church will continue to display a ribbon for every Maine person who dies from COVID-19. To personalize a ribbon, please call PSUMC (872-7564) and leave the name of the person who died from this virus. With permission, the name will be written on a ribbon. The church will continue to add ribbons for every Maine life lost until this pandemic has ended.

Community members are encouraged to visit the COVID 19 Memorial.