By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor for the Effingham Herald

About 30 people attended the Memorial Luminary service late Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 10, at the Guyton and Ferguson cemeteries behind Guyton Elementary School.

The event, hosted by the Guyton Historical Preservation Committee, is designed to honor family members who have recently passed; and specifically, to honor a member of the Guyton community.

The 2024 honoree was Tonos Goros Sr. Goros was an active member of the Guyton Historical Preservation Committee.

In addition to candles for each participant, the roadway along the perimeter of the cemeteries was illuminated with candles.

During the brief service, music was led by the praise band from Guyton Christian Church, including familiar carols – “The First Noel”, “Away in the Manger”, and “Silent Night”.

Rev. Tommy China presented a message based on John 1. He reminded the audience, “We come here to celebrate” the lives of loved ones.

Toward the end of the service, members of the audience were invited to come forward to say the name of the person they were remembering.