In Franklin, Fighting FIre with Flyer

Above, a Facebook flyer for Sunday's event.

In the wake of the Wednesday fire at St. Mary's church in Franklin, now believed to be arson, the Town, the Interfaith Council and the Franklin Freedom Team, not heard from in some time, jumped into action to create a supportive event scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27 on the Franklin Common at 4 pm. According to organizers, '
this is a time to be together, to support each other, to pray and to
sing.'

Fire investigators are continuing to comb through evidence and talk to people in the community but, according to a spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, there has been no statement from them nor indication that the arson act was a 'hate crime.' But sentiment is leaning toward that conclusion, it would seem.

Rev. Bob Poitras, was quoted by  Boston 25 News, stating,“We
can’t respond hatred with hatred, violence with violence, the only
thing we can overcome with is love and we have to remember that right
now.”

Observer was not successful in reaching either Poitras at St. Mary's or Police Chief Lynch, who is a member of the Franklin Freedom Team, by email but did hear from members of the Franklin Interfaith Council who are working to organize the event. Rev. Kathy McAdams confirmed the date, time, and focus of the event.

Separately, St. Mary's parishoners are planning to hold Mass out of doors behind the St. Mary's School building, at 10 am on Sunday. Bring your own chairs.