The Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton will welcome guests from as far away as North Carolina, as it celebrates the 150th anniversary of its building and honors the life of “The Fighting Chaplain,” Rev. William G. Scandlin.
On Sunday, May 19, Scandlin’s great-great-granddaughter, Donna Scandlin, is expected to join UUSGU in rededicating the church, along with her husband, Rod Magson. The service will feature eight re-enactors who will read from original letters and diaries from the Civil War period. Following the 10am service the congregation will dedicate a Peace Pole on land between the church and One Grafton Common.
During Sunday’s service Rev. Scandlin will be portrayed by Thomas Connell, a member of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry reenactment group. Tom often portrays “The Fighting Chaplain,” in Civil War reenactments. Scandlin served as Chaplain of the 15th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War.