Last Saturday, the Episcopal Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands lent its lawn to the ghosts, goblins and various ghouls and others gathering for the start of the annual Cold Spring Halloween parade.
Next Friday, Oct. 31, the parish will open the venerable red doors of the church itself to trick-or-treaters and their parents, offering Halloween candy, hot cider, and a respite from the cold in a mysterious atmosphere -- complete with spooky music, clinging cobwebs, flickering candles, specters, and even a few bats, beasts and things that go bump in the night.
A couple of unexpected apparitions (i.e., costumed parishioners) will be on hand on the sidewalk on Chestnut Street to beckon passers-by to make their way up the drive to the explore the “Haunted Church” and collect their goodies.
Although now a thoroughly American “secular” holiday, Halloween owes its origins in part to ancient Christian traditions. The name itself bears testimony to its past, for the word “Halloween” is the shortened form of “Hallows Even’” or “All Hallows Eve” and “All Hallows Evening,” the night before All Hallows Day, now usually called All Saints Day, Nov. 1, a major feast that honors all the saints or “hallowed” (holy) ones who’ve gone on to heaven.
St. Mary’s will begin its Halloween festivities at 5:30 p.m.
St. Mary's is located at the corner of Route 9D (Morris Avenue-Chestnut Street) and Route 301 (Main Street) in Cold Spring.