The cast and crew said goodbye to the characters and fictional town of Springfield this week. After 72 years on radio and the CBS network, Guiding Light is scheduled to end its run next month.

The final scenes were filmed in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey at locations like Dominick’s Pizza and Peapack Reformed Church. About two dozen fans stood nearby to watch the end of an era.

Following the end of filming, members of the cast, crew, and parish attended a short service at the Peapack Church. The church has had a long history with the show and has been the site for several weddings and funerals.

The Reverend Kathryn Henry presided over the service. She noted that the show’s title came from the lamp that was placed in the study window by original radio show character Reverend Doctor Ruthledge (played by a pre-Soap Arthur Peterson Jr.) to guide those in need of assistance to him.

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Henry also noted that it had always been a pleasure to have the show film at the house of worship. “Now, unbelievably, the Guiding Light will be extinguished,” the Reverend concluded.

Though the soap won’t be filming in the neighborhoods any longer, the show’s presence won’t soon be forgotten. A donation of $10,000 from the soap paid for new chandeliers and renovated lighting in the church’s community room. A similar donation was accepted by the community and will be used for picnic tables and benches at a local part. At another regular shooting location, the long-running series also donated a new gazebo.

The last episode of Guiding Light will air on CBS on September 18th.

Image courtesy CBS.