Beautiful candle services set for Christmas Eve

A Christmas Eve candlelight service is scheduled to be held at various cemeteries in the Devlin and Emo areas.
“For us it’s a way of raising funds to do little things for the cemetery that normally wouldn’t be done,” noted Maxine Hayes, a member of the cemetery committee in La Vallee Township.
“It’s just a way to remember people that have been before us, whether they’re young or old. It started out as a tribute to the pioneers,” she explained.
Last year’s service at the Devlin Cemetery drew 60 participants honouring past loved ones while Burriss Cemetery had 25 and the one in Box Alder had 15.
The event plans to be very informal. Carols will be sung and candles will be lit.
Most people purchase candles for $5, with the proceeds going towards the cemetery to relieve some financial pressure from the municipality, added Hayes.
Since 2003 the event persevered through rain, snow, or any type of weather.
“The scenery is beautiful since the cemetery [in Devlin] is on a hill . . . candles are all spread out,” enthused Hayes.
“One year 1,000 candles were on display at the Devlin Cemetery,” she added.
In Emo’s centennial year, the committee raised enough money to purchase gates at the cemeteries. Currently they are in the process of getting the gates painted.
Those interested in purchasing candles should contact the municipal office in Devlin at 486-3452. After Dec. 21, those interested should call Hayes at 274-6049.
Debbie Zimmerman started the Emo Cemetery service five years ago in remembrance of her father and grandparents. “It would be respectful to do something at Christmas,” she noted.
Zimmerman said she got the idea from the Kenora cemetery one year after seeing them hold a similar service. “It kind of snowballed from there,” she remarked.
On Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m., Zimmerman said they go and light the ice candles—and they stay lit for two days. The ice surrounds the candle and refuses to let the moisture or the wind get to the flame.
People check on them as they drive past because they look so pretty. If the candles do go out, they get re-lit.
“In our first year we had about 30 candles . Last year we had 110,” noted Zimmerman.
The ice candles are beautifully created by Lyle Gill of Emo.
Funds raised by the candles goes towards the Emo Municipality, which purchases flowers for the cemetery in the summer months.
“The public can meet there at the cemetery at 4 p.m.,” said Zimmerman, adding it’s over shortly thereafter. “We have all the candles set out and at 4 p.m. we light them all.”
Harri Sheloff also has been lighting ice candles with the aid of Zimmerman.
“[The event] makes me feel great. It’s Christmas and we’re doing something for Christmas,” said Sheloff. “The turnout is great.
“We light the candles, then we sing Christmas carols. The candles are made 100 percent of ice and it’s so cold that the ice doesn’t melt. It’s beautiful after dark.
“Everyone comes together. We sing—it’s time to think and reflect on your family.”
Candles can be purchased at the municipality office in Emo or at Tompkins Hardware there.