The outside temperatures on Saturday were downright fantastic and just what we needed to entice us for a afternoon outing. So Judy and I decided to visit the Cathedral of the Pines which is less than five miles from Marc and Amie’s house. You could hear the breezes blowing lightly through the trees with a nice pine scent in the air. It is such a peaceful and tranquil place to just walk around the grounds, to sit and meditate, and to worship God.
The following are excepts from Cathedral of the Pines website:
“Situated on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Grand Monadnock, the Cathedral of the Pines is a breathtaking open-air cathedral and meeting space on 236 acres. Our historic monuments honor the service of American men and women—both military and civilian.”
“Cathedral of the Pines will be a thriving center in the Monadnock region where people come both from our local communities and from all over the world to participate in a wide range of events that address the Cathedral’s mission.”
“Sibyl and Douglas Sloane III founded the Cathedral of the Pines in 1945 as a memorial to those men and women, including their son Sandy, who had sacrificed their lives in World War II. They envisioned that their cathedral without walls would welcome people of every faith in a spirit of unity and mutual respect. It was their hope that interfaith understanding would help bring world peace. In the 21st century the Cathedral seeks to honor and extend that original vision through its activities and events.”
The path took us past the Zen Garden and Ten Commandment Monolith.
Across from the Monolith is the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
A little further on we came to Mother’s Chapel and the Garden of Remembrance.
“The Altar of the Nation, overlooking Mount Monadnock, is dedicated in grateful memory of all American war dead. Constructed in 1946, stones as tributes from every President since Harry Truman and from each of the fifity states and four territories are all incorporated into the Altar to symbolize the unity and strength of a grateful people. In 1957 the Congress of the United States recognized the Altar of the Nation as a National Memorial to all American war dead.”
The views along the trail are absolutely stunning. And with the breeze blowing through the pines, it presented a nice serene place to reflect on life’s purpose - “To Know Him, To Be Like Him, and To Glorify Him.”
“The Memorial Bell Tower was dedicate in 1967 and is the first in the nation in tribute to all American women who sacrificed their lives in the wars of our country. The pillars of the Bell Tower are the stones taken from the fields of the farm of which the Cathedral knoll is a part. Carillonic Chimes play on the hour.”
“The “Waters of Life” from the fountain nurture the “Tree of LIfe” which bears twelve manner of fruits and the leaves of the tree that represents the healing of the nations.”
Yesterday afternoon was another uneventful travel day to Belfast. Upon arrival, we had to “thread the needle” with the rig while backing into the drive way. We’re getting really good at this, too good as a matter of fact. We slipped it right into it’s “berth” in one smooth back up – no pulling forward what so ever. Now we’ll have to find another challenge. And, on top of all of that, we beat the rain. The next three days are going to be wet, but we’ll be nice and dry sitting in Mike and Shauna’s driveway.
Mike and Shauna were off to church when we arrived so we got set up and headed out for a Mother’s Day meal at Darby’s restaurant in downtown Belfast. We had nice old fashioned crab meat rolls made with fresh Maine crab and it was some ol’ yummy. Darby’s has a wonderful crab melt sandwich, as well, which is what we normally have. But, being that the crab meat rolls were a Mother’s Day special we opted for those instead – good choice.
Well, I guess that brings you up-to-date. So, Take Care and May God Bless - - - - - - - - - -
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