Lost loved ones to be remembered with ceremony in Pee Dee

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Published: December 09, 2009

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The Compassionate Friends of the Pee Dee Area will hold a local observation of the Worldwide Candlighting Ceremony on Sunday.

The Worldwide Candle Lighting gives bereaved families everywhere the opportunity to remember a child lost in death, said Debbie DeWitt Lowder, co-founder and chapter leader of the Compassionate Friends of the Pee Dee Area.

The ceremony will be held at outside on the Darlington County Courthouse Square and is open to not only parents— but anyone who wants to remember a deceased person, Lowder said.

During the event, attendees are encouraged to light a candle in memory of their lost one.

Candles and holders will be provided, but those planning to attend the event can bring their own.

Compassionate friends members said that some people light candles in memory of not just one person, but anyone who has died.

At the candlelighting, there will be special music, poetry, the sharing late childrens’ names. A PowerPoint presentation with names and pictures of children will also be displayed.

Light refreshments will be served, but seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Additionally, compassionate friends meetings are held at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 210 S. Main St. in Darlington the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

Alternate Meeting at First Reliance Learning Center, 2148 W. Palmetto St. in Florence onthe fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

The Compassionate Friends has nearly 600 chapters in the United States. The group aims to offer friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved families following the death of a child.

The organization has a presence in an estimated 29 countries around the world.

For more information on Sunday’s candlelighting in Darlington contact Lowder at 843 676-0066 or ddlowder@aol.com.

For more information , call The Compassionate Friends toll-free at 877-969-0010 or visit The Compassionate Friends national Web site:www.compassionatefriends.org.

If you’re going
Who: Compassionate Friends of the Pee Dee Area
What: Worldwide Candlelighting Ceremony
When: 7 p..m. Sunday
Where. Darlington County Square
Info: Call Debbie DeWitt Lowder at 843 676-0066 or ddlowder@aol.com

—Staff writer Jamie Rogers can be reached at (843) 317-7266.