BELHAVEN — Residents of Belhaven came together Monday night to counter the divide between them, resulting from a bitter municipal election cycle this year.

Belhaven United, a team of four candidates from the election including Alderman Vic Cox and political newcomers Ricky Credle, Ricky Radcliffe and Shane Hubers, organized a bonfire and candlelight vigil Monday at Belhaven town docks with the help of several local churches.

Cris Noble, one of the organizers and pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church, said the event was not held for political reasons, but rather in an effort to unite the town after such a bitter election.

He said participants were encouraged to write down their fears or concerns on a slip of paper and then throw it into the fire, a symbol of letting it all go. Afterward, there was a candlelight vigil with prayers and singing of “We Are One in the Spirit.” According to Noble, among some of the issues addressed were hurt feelings, clashing opinions over Belhaven’s hospital, threats of boycotting businesses and upsetting remarks made.

But more importantly, Noble said he saw residents on both sides of the issues in attendance.

Ricky Radcliffe ran in the November election in a failed attempt to unseat five-term Mayor Adam O’Neal, who has fought for the last two years to reopen the hospital in Belhaven. The election quickly pitted O’Neal’s supporters against Belhaven United’s supporters, while arguments ensued about whether to continue efforts to reopen the hospital and how to manage the town’s money.

“It was a rainy night, but we still managed to have 60 or 70 people show up,” Noble said of Monday’s event. “Our elections this year were rather divisive. … I was glad to see people from both sides there.”

He said the organizers felt it was a good idea to bring religious leaders into the effort to further emphasize the message of peace and unity.

“Thankfully Belhaven, you know, is a fairly Christian community in comparison to a lot of places,” Noble said. “We can’t have true love or unity (without Christ).”

He said the work to heal the town is far from over, however, and there is already another similar gathering in the works in January organized by the faith-based Team Coalition Association.

“I think it was a start. I think by itself it wouldn’t be enough,” Noble said. “I think … if we continue to press for it, I think we can make a difference.”

“It’s going to take some time for people to let go,” he added. “I believe that’s really possible. It’s just a matter of people choosing to do so.”