The Providence Journal/Glenn Osmundson
At St. Clare Church in Westerly, Saturday, Rev. Ruth Hainsworth, the pastor of United Congregational Church of Westerly, Church of Christ, reads the poem "When Waters Roar and Foam," by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. The photo was taken when the final line was recited by the congregation: "and bless our beach."
WESTERLY, R.I. -- At noon on Saturday, a few weeks after the fury of Hurricane Sandy, about 100 townspeople gathered in the hard-hit Misquamicut section for a "Bless Our Beach" ecumenical service at St. Clare Church.
The event drew leaders of seven different faith organizations, business owners, residents and town officials.
"It's a gathering together to support each other in this difficult time," said Diana Serra, the Town Council president.
Father Ken Suibielski of St. Clare issued a blessing. And Eileen Fiore, a soloist in the church choir, sang a song, "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
The Providence Journal/Glenn Osmundson
Sand and debris is still scattered about on Atlantic Ave., next to Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly on Saturday.