Mariners’ Church of Detroit honors Gordon Lightfoot with Tuesday ringing of bells

At 3 p.m. Tuesday, the bells at Mariners’ Church rang out again - now chiming 30 times to honor those perished sailors along with the artist who famously memorialized them in song. Lightfoot made the Detroit church bells famous in "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Today they chimed an additional time to mark his death.
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#detroit #michigan #grodonlightfoot

[@murrygandy6546]

What an appropriate tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. May he rest in peace.

[@als1023]

Indeed, thank you for posting !!

[@thomasstrout1738]

Perfectly stated

[@rjmcallister1888]

A class move. Those 29 on the Edmund Fitzgerald would be all-but-forgotten had Gordon not told their tale. Let that continue into the future. Peace to Gordon and the ship's crew.

[@josephclark4999]

Beautiful comment.

[@ColinH1973]

Well said indeed.

[@528Circle]

I can honestly say that I would have never known the story had it not been for the song, so how right you are. This is an amazing tribute. I keep hearing “it rang 29 times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald” so to have that 30th bell roll in his honor chokes me up every time I think about it. The man was a treasure to world with us music, his lyrics, and his ability to tell a story. Count me among the many American’s who were deeply saddened by his passing.

[@fernfreeman1729]

I often use his phrase, "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours." Simply unforgettable!

[@censorshipsucks9493]

Yep. Before the internet there was Gordon LIghtfoot.

[@gilliandelledonne4713]

I have to admit I"m a bit overwhelmed by this. The sadness of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of Mr. Lightfoot. Bless them for doing this.

[@suzannadannaTARDIS]

This choked me up. What a beautiful gesture.

[@djd2819]

@@suzannadannaTARDIS I agree. A beautiful tribute. So very fitting.

[@sayusayme7729]

Beautiful

[@richardsaunders3743]

The Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Gordon Lightfoot. May they rest in peace. Amen

[@girlfriday1299]

It's so moving. Such a beautiful tribute.

[@candytoo3729]

To our American Friends, thanks for remembering him as he remembered each and everyone of them.

[@debbieschmidling8158]

❤❤❤

[@michaelligue3842]

As an American , I have loved his music for decades and send my condolences . Though I am American my great grandfather was born and raised in Ontario .

[@dennisfarber3708]

Gordon Lightfoot was truly an original artist, he will be missed

[@garylefevers]

I'm from Southeast Kentucky. As a ten year old kid his music made my life easier during a traumatic time in our family. The entire family loved his music. God bless him, his loved ones, the crew if the Fitz, his fans and Canada for producing such an artistic treasure.

[@bradwest4821]

This American born in Northern Illinois was lucky enough to see him perform in the 90s. What a legend. When I finally went fishing in Ontario a few years ago, I finally felt the song Canadian Railroad Trilogy, and what it meant. Thank you, Gordon

[@coldlakealta4043]

As a Canadian who saw Gordon many times I am deeply moved by this. Thank you for remembering our loss, as we continue to remember yours.

[@bernadineshelbourne8915]

I'm Canadian too. This reminds me how international Gordon was. It's so beautiful

[@halfdome4158]

He is spectacular and loved here in the US. One of a kind.❤

[@Hawken54]

It was nice of Gordon to donate all the profits from his song to the sailors families.

[@frednorman1]

And he was loved in California too…

[@stanleylaham8932]

Though a proud Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot belonged to all of us.

[@josephclark4999]

For me the line "In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed in the Maritime Sailor's Cathedral, the church bell chimed till it rang twenty nine times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald" were the most poignant in the song.

[@alanrogs3990]

This man with his song contributed to our history and culture

[@brianmiller1077]

He changed the word musty to rustic after visiting the church. Truly a class act.

[@josephclark4999]

@@brianmiller1077 Did not know that. Thanks for the info. Your 100% correct. He was truly a class act in every way.

[@brucefrytz8611]

For me the best line in the song is "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours"

[@johndybala8580]

​@@brianmiller1077 Also, he changed the lyric about "at seven pm a main hatchway caved in ..." to "at seven pm, it went dark, it was then he said ..." apparently because of new findings that made it clear that if the men realized they were going down, they only worried about it for a few seconds, and he didn't want anyone to fault Captain McSorley for not doing more over the ensuing ten minutes.

[@michaelligue3842]

Quite fitting , Gordon memorialized the crew for decades , very honorable for the Martime museum to acknowledge him among the crew . Rest in peace Gordon .

[@mirandarights9635]

I am so glad that Gordon Lightfoot was honored by adding a 30th bell chime for him and the 29 Edmund Fitzgerald heros! Well Done!!!

[@msmoniz]

As a Canadian, and life long Gordon Lightfoot fan this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you

[@jimyounger9490]

Yup , even as an American.

[@user-wf7cy1lt1x]

I pass the church on Jefferson every morning when I go to work. I always think about the lost sailors, now also Gordon.

[@AnAmericanFan]

I happened to be working as a student engineer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan the summer of 1976. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald had just dropped. It was played incessantly all summer on the Marquette AM station. I can always go back to that time in my youth when Gordon Lightfoot paid tribute to the 29. RIP Mr. Lightfoot.

[@als1023]

We always went down to our place on the eastern shore of Lake Superior to see a November storm, they were incredible. The waves would toss logs and sand a 100' up the beach. I remember my father calling me the day after the Fitz sank, he said the storm was absolutely a monster, did not go down to the lake, was too awful out. Then the pride and emotion when the song came out. We watched channel 6 from Marquette Michinga when tv's came out, right across the big lake, when the weather was right. Still remember the test pattern. Found a home made surf board in the ice one winter, that had Marquette Mich written under the top coat of fiberglass. Thanks for posting !!

[@katieking8830]

That song came out before 1976

[@patellinghuysen]

@@katieking8830 Sorry released August 1976

[@kaymuldoon3575]

@@katieking8830 googles says August 1976. I specifically remember it being 1976 as well…remember how old I was when I heard it on the radio all the time.

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@als1023 "Michinga"?

[@1928ModelA1931]

I think it's wonderful that Gordon brings our two nations together in a small way every time we hear the song. Thanks to the people of Detroit for this honour.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

❤️

[@thomasharbold3915]

30 chimes of the bell... 29 for the men of the Edmund Fitzgerald, who went down in that terrible November storm, and an additional stroke to memorialize the man who immortalized them in song. Fitting and proper! May they all rest in peace. Respect.

[@guitarmike6757]

Wow!! What a beautiful gesture.. Humanity still has so much goodness .. RIP to the 29 and Gordon 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@anderander5662]

Yep, gave me a tear…or three.

[@youngyeller]

good people out number the bad.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Gordon donated every penny in royalties for that song to the families of the crewmembers. When Gordon arrives, the crewmembers will buy him a round and salute his efforts.

[@ColinH1973]

Not many people know that about him. What a great gesture from a great man. RIP

[@wonderglory]

Now the 29 crew members who perished in the SS Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy could finally meet Gordon Lightfoot and thank him for a job well done. Godspeed to all.🧎‍♂⛪⚓✝🙏

[@supernautacus]

You post much better than you fully know. ^_^

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Amen

[@andrewfrantz5502]

The sailors of the Edmond Fitzgerald were joined by Gordon Lightfoot. RIP, Mr. Lightfoot and the sailors.

[@mohmoony3918]

All crew accounted for, Captain.

[@CarolanIvey]

I think Gordon would have been humbly pleased by this.

[@Willigula]

This was a sublime tribute. Gordon would have surely been honored to be the thirtieth ring. I’m so moved by this.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Would love to see the bell continue to be rung 29 times every November 10 and 30 times every May 1.

[@chong2389]

Thank you Mariners' Church from an ex-Windsorite who remembers seeing the Edmund Fitzgerald sail by Dieppe Park.. 🍁

[@katieking8830]

My father Windsor.... 1920

[@frankw7266]

I know this song is very widely recognized, but to anyone who's lived on, worked on, and played on the Great Lakes, the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was practically a hymn to us. This was an amazing gesture, and I hope it continues from this point forward.

[@margaretwade]

As a Canadian, I have listened to and loved Gordon Lightfoot all my life. RIP. Gordon and the 29 sailors. Thank you for the loving tribute.

[@teresafrechette3867]

I'm crying tears of sadness hearing these bells ring but so happy it's also a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. I hope the people of Detroit (and the US in general) know just how important a person he was.

[@l.baughman1445]

oh, we know. We know. ❤

[@vwm8534]

We do.

[@MsThebeMoon]

Love the sound of bagpipes. This was beautiful.

[@mybiz1006]

Everything about his songwriting was amazing. 💔

[@williamwhite2113]

RIP Gordon and the 29 men on the Edmund Fitzgerald. That song will live on for a long long time.

[@junkyardjim]

That's a good look mariners church, thank you.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

What an incredibly touching thing this was, to bestow this mark of respect for Gordon Lightfoot. As a Canadian, thank you, Mariner's Church, and thank you also, Detroit Free Press, for reporting on it. I'm sure that he would have been deeply moved by this honour.

[@mikeprince6045]

What a class act you guys are to ring 30 times. That speaks volumes… thank you

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

Total Class for that extra Bell....I'm sure the Edmund Fitzgerald Crew heartily approves. Godspeed Gordo, Humanity is just a little less today, in your absence 😢

[@sarahsmiles9127]

I'm so grateful to Mr. Lightfoot for writing this song. It captures the spirit of the Great Lakes in such a beautifully tragic way.

[@howardleban5524]

A fitting tribute to this honorable man

[@susanherbert3014]

Beautiful tribute to the honor of those lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald and to Gordon Lightfoot.

[@connieandgwennie1450]

RIP to the 29 sailors who died when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. RIP to Gordon Lightfoot for immortalising them in his hauntingly beautiful song.😢

[@michellefey3741]

In literal tears as I'm listening to this. I just found out he passed away. "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" was a long time favorite of mine from my childhood, and it plays on rotation on my Spotify. Thank you for giving him this sacred honor and for sharing this with the world.

[@TheZAMBONILADY]

Thank you for honouring Mr. Lightfoot.

[@mattdaugherty7865]

The first time I heard Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" was on our school bus during elementary school! I was immediately captivated by its story and delivery! Thank you, Gordon Lightfoot!

[@williamrmitchell1960]

My deepest thanks to the mariners hall for this beautiful gesture! And my greatest sympathies and respects for mr. Lightfoots family and friends

[@johnpatterson4272]

Fantastic video, that's how it's done. Thank you to our American cousins.

[@hildeschmid8400]

Goodbye, Gordon. Your songs have been with me since high school in Detroit. This brought tears to my eyes. May you and the 29 from the Edmund Fitzgerald rest peacefully.

[@55points]

tears from the top of Lake Michigan. I was 17 yrs old at the time and I remember everything. I had thought about a career on the boats myself after high school just before this happened. Gordon Lightfoot will be sadly missed but his music will live on.

[@keetahbrough]

ok.. this got my tears just FLOWING. Because you're right... Gordon deserves that recognition.. because i don't think anybody would know about the Fitz and what happened to her and her crew... without Gordon Lightfoot.

[@sooz9433]

Godspeed to you Gordon Lightfoot and thank you for the joy you gave us all. Thank you for honoring the crew of the Fitzgerald and bringing their story to people who might never have heard about them. ❤ ⚓️ ❤ 🎸 ❤

[@randywright1922]

How fitting thank you for remembering Mr Lightfoot

[@Navgearhead]

A fitting tribute to a real legend...

[@johnmaclachlan6818]

I thought about going down there to the church and pay my respects and say a prayer now I wish I would have.GOD BLESS the crew member their families , Gordon Lightfoot and GOD BLESS we the people.

[@Jreb1865]

No better tribute to Gord. To be remembered with those who he remembered...

[@haydendegrow945]

People don't often realize how much of an impact Gordon Lightfoot had on the music world and on the folklore of North America. He has immortalized several aspects of simple life in Canada and the U.S., and in this case, immortalized a tragedy that otherwise probably would have been forgotten about. With his song, he made sure no one could forget this tragedy, and he gave us a reason to honour and respect the sailors who risk it all to keep the commerce of the Great lakes, and North America in general, moving. As a Canadian, I am proud to say, thank you, Gordon, and rest in peace. You have earned a top spot in the hearts of all Canadians.

[@wandamundy1759]

This is overwhelming. His passing was hard to bear - but this . . . has me completely undone. Thank you so much - for remembering our Canadian Troubador Poet - as we remember the 29 brave souls who lost their lives.

[@mrv6968]

WOW that brought another tear to my eyes. Sheesh, Gord certainly was loved by many.

[@der4th]

There is no better way to honor the crew and him. Such a poignant but fitting tribute. The legend will live on

[@stevebailey7633]

It puts a new perspective on the song. I know I have read that the families of the 29 always held GL in high esteem for how he treated this disaster and the crew in his wonderful song.

[@krismueller9498]

Beautiful tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald crew and Gordon Lightfoot

[@skeletonshorror5184]

God bless Canada, RIP Gordon Lightfoot and long love his songs - they left an indelible mark on our lives, music and souls. 💔

[@geriratcliff4829]

This Canadian thanks you so much for this tribute to our beloved Gordon Lightfoot ❤

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

❤🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@rickwilliamson9248]

VERY classy move. RIP Gordon. I hope the crew welcomes you with open arms.

[@dinkus_malinkus]

My friends grandpa, John Simmons, was on the Fitz. Having grown up on the south shore of Lake Superior, and being close with his family, small part of all of us passed away with Gordon. God bless your soul Gordon

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

RIP TO A LEGEND.

[@peterschreiner9245]

God bless you Mariner's Church.

[@garyzink1927]

Rip Gordon. Loved listening to you these past 40 years. I will continue till i pass. Prayers for you and your family and fans. Peace from Northern Michigan.

[@larrypaul8688]

Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Gordon. RIP.

[@musicgodess80s]

What a beautiful tribute ❤❤

[@clemlowes9417]

Very moving. RIP Gordon Lightfoot and to all 29 men who perished on the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@Beerded69]

You did right by Mr. Lightfoot as he did for the sailors lost. Thank you!

[@stevenf1953]

With tears in my eyes, I say Thank you!

[@diongilbert759]

Beautiful 🇺🇸 🇨🇦

[@sillyme8302]

Rest in Peace Gordon you leave a legacy of beautiful music behind and will never be forgotten.

[@jonpiotrowski3506]

A Troubadour if ever there was...Godspeed. A musicians’ musician, a Legend, and Creative Genius of Ethereal Eternal Melodies...Thank You Mr. Lightfoot

[@damanyocum149]

Wow...now THIS is truly an honor for a man who gave us the memory and timeless story of the brave men of the Fitz who died, and who will always bevon our hearts and souls forever RIP Gordon Lightfoot 😢🇺🇸🦅❤️🤍💙🛠️⚓🔧

[@francinescott7405]

What a tribute. Bless you for doing that. Had me teary eyed.

[@patakel]

This song has always made me so sad. I heard it when he first put it out, at numerous concerts and the hundreds of times I have played his albums and I often think of them in nasty November weather here in Ontario “when the gales of November come calling”. It was such an honourable tribute to the sailors and you have returned the compliment and admiration for his story of never forgetting. Thanks 🇨🇦

[@200357846]

Thank you for this beautiful tribute! It has made me, as a Gordon Lightfoot fan and a Canadian, deeply moved! This is truly the most touching tribute yet.❤️😭

[@jdtractorman7445]

A nice tribute. R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot and thank you for your contribution to music and remembrance of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@terrymeyer9895]

Beautiful, moving tribute!!

[@leoventresca7867]

What a beautiful tribute, RIP Mr Lightfoot and very classy Detroit ❤

[@Winstonrodney6989]

When I was a little kid and got my first little cheap record player the first two records I got were kiss alive and Gordon Lightfoot the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on 45. To this day it’s still one of my favorite songs and still gives me goosebumps. This is such a fitting tribute to the man.

[@TheKenmak]

This choked me up. Thank you from 🇨🇦

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

❤

[@sharonmaberry-bourke7013]

to wake up today and have it dawn on me that such a bright light is no more has me crying , again~

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Same here 😢

[@robinwitting2023]

That gives me goosebumps! An absolute classic of a song recounting the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald. A great man has passed. Robin Witting England

[@jefferytokarsky1930]

How fitting. Gordon Lightfoot and the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald were linked for eternity in a moving song. Now, may they both Rest In Peace.

[@jenniferbeyer6412]

That is a beautiful way to honor a great man. Never got to see the inside of the Church. It's as beautiful as I thought it would be.

[@boballen3055]

Nicely done Gordon was magic❤

[@larrytate5605]

Gordon, a gift to us all,..........the Haunting song about the Fitz and her crew grabbed me at a very young age and made a life long fan.

[@MikeG42]

Beautiful tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you and I will never forget him and the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. 🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@dquinnster47]

Class act, Detroit. All the love to all of ya.

[@dreimer2112]

What a beautiful tribute.

[@Treetopflyer777]

A really sincere and moving tribute.

[@coldlakealta4043]

indeed

[@alexiscausleywaabagiizhigo8606]

Beautiful. Thank you Detroit.

[@echobeefpv8530]

A wonderful tribute, pure class, thank you from a fan.

[@Peeved100]

I'm weeping. Just beautiful.

[@buffsheeri]

got me teary-eyed, god bless those men on the ship and Mr Lightfoot

[@bucklaker3980]

His song kept them alive and now it will him as well.

[@florancerudi]

Yeah this is something else. I grew up in 2 hours from lake Superior as a Minnesota kid freezing cold in the winter time I've always navigated to that song. That's a bone chilling beautiful song........peace& bless

[@bluesgirl01]

That is really nice..

[@sharonannrees2824]

That is so moving. Thank you for the tribute.

[@ireneyoung8696]

Wonderful tribute.

[@samuelb6960]

Gordon was one of those musicians that no matter what kind of music you were into pop, rock, country etc. his music was enjoyable.

[@mmdiane]

Thank you for honoring him.

[@therealhellkitty5388]

Gordon Lightfoot’s wonderful storytelling, amazing voice and musical talent was the soundtrack of my youth and life. Thank you to our Canadian friends and neighbors for sharing him with the world. I’ve sung his songs many times and have learned so much about your history through him. I’m so sorry for his passing, there will be none like him to come.

[@wavelength3278]

That’s pretty damn decent. RIP to all involved, including you Mr. Lightfoot! 🙏💙⚓️