For Whom The Bell Tolls

I have been to many churches over the course of my life, but sadly, Maranatha Baptist Church is not among them.

Located in Plains, Georgia, this modest parish claims among its congregants former President Jimmy Carter. Founded in the late 1970's, this was the church where Carter attended services and where he taught Sunday School classes for over forty years. Of this there is no doubt. Carter was a deeply faithful man and a devoted Christian.

I was just 16 years old when President Carter took office. And while his term in the White House featured some notable challenges, this naval officer turned statesman won a Nobel Peace Prize, sustained a marriage, and spent his later years carving out his most important legacy ... that of a humanitarian. 

Since our nation was founded, St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Salem, MA) has tolled its bell in observance of the death of every U.S. president. On January 9th, the church's original 1740 bell rang out 100 times as President Carter was laid to rest. Gone but not forgotten.

"Father of all, we pray to you for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace." - Book of Common Prayer, Burial of the Dead Rite II