SAUGUS — A small crowd gathered outside the East Saugus United Methodist Church Wednesday evening to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community as the church hung a pride flag out its second-story window.
The rally was sparked by the theft of a pride sign from the church’s lawn earlier this month. A group of teenagers took the sign and ran off, only to be chased down by a group of the church’s neighbors. They were able to secure the sign, but not before it was damaged.
That theft, Pastor Pat Oduor said, was “an intentional act of hate.”
It wasn’t the first time an incident like that had taken place at the church, Oduor said.
With that history in mind, Oduor and the church council decided to hang the pride flag in one of the church windows, where it would be safe from any future incidents. And, to commemorate the flag-raising, the church opted to host the Wednesday evening rally.
While not a resident of the town, Oduor said she has been the church’s pastor for four years. In that time, she said, she hasn’t seen a pride rally held.
“That’s exactly why we need a pride rally in Saugus,” she said in an interview ahead of the event. “In my experience, Saugus is in a transition and maybe not accustomed to the diversity that is now slowly moving into the community.”
“Part of the pride rally… is we are a diverse community in Saugus and diversity is a strength in all areas,” Oduor added.
In introductory remarks at the event, Oduor emphasized the welcoming spirit of the church.
“Whoever you are, you are a beloved child of God and at East Saugus United Methodist Church, and in Saugus, everybody is welcome,” she said.
The event drew several elected officials — including members of the Board of Selectmen and state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) — and Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli.
The board’s chairman, Anthony Cogliano, delivered brief remarks during the ceremony, in which he pledged to make the pride rally a Saugus tradition.
“Let’s make something good out of something bad that happened,” he said. “Next year our promise to you is that we will join together in front of Town Hall, raise the pride flag, and celebrate together. You have my word.”
Attendees also heard from other members of the faith community, including the Rev. Nizzi Digan, the former pastor at ESUMC; and New England Annual Conference Interim Bishop Peggy Johnson, whose spouse, the Rev. Mary Johnson, is transgender.
Digan offered an opening prayer while Johnson, who donned a rainbow stole to mark the occasion, spoke about rainbows.
“I’ve always loved rainbows. They’re so pretty. They’re so diverse. They’re so biblical,” she said.
The ceremony closed with the song “Draw the Circle Wide,” which those in attendance were encouraged to join the singing of.
“No one stands alone,” the crowd sang. “We’ll stand side by side.”
