Brevard College Bell Tower [75]

This was the first and the last; the first place we visited and the last. I prayed here for my grand daughter as she enters her first year of studies at Brevard College. I know she will do well as she is very motivated, smart and the Brevard community will take care of her. On moving day there were representatives from many on the area churches on hand to welcome the students and also to help them move into their new living accomodations. The Bell Tower at the entrance to the college is a symbol of the care and guidance they offer the students.

Cathey's Creek Baptist Church [74]

On a drive outside the city limits we found this country road with a sign and cross. It was the most charming oasis of peace. We went back there several times but never saw anyone worshipping This Baptist Church at Cathey's Creek was one of the last places we visited.

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd [73]

Saw this beautiful church driving from campus to our hotel. We had to go see it and stand in the roadway to take a picture. The stark crosses and their contrast with the wood and stone make it stand out for all to see. This Lutheran Church is a landmark in the city of Brevard.

St Phillip Episcopal Church [72]

Visited Brevard, North Carolina and spent some time visiting churches and places of worship. Mainly I wanted to finish my goal of 75 before my deadline, September 4, 2013.

St Philip Episcopal Church epitomizes the Main Street in Brevard; old, stately and southern. It is a very sturdy looking and welcoming structure.

Urban Prayer [71]

Driving home via Park Street I heard some very amplified Christian Music. At the corner of Washington and Park there was a mission activity going on. Under banners proclaiming 'Cristo Te Amo' [Christ loves you!] there a was musical group set up. Joyous Christian music was being sent out into the community and through the traffic. Pastor José Vega preached between each set of musical selections.

To the side of the music there were several booths set up. One had free food, one free clean clothing all sorted by size/gender and one offering individual prayer and prayer books. I meditated, prayed left a card with a donation to the cause. What a beautiful sight showing there are so many caring people in the city of Hartford.

blognote: The activity was sponsored by the Iglesia Pentecostal de Díos on 1841 Broad Street.

St Patrick Cemetery [70]

This little cemetery is next to the St Patrick Church in East Hampton. My uncle and aunt, Jack and Ruby, are buried here; one tragic after another. Jack was Major in the Nathan Hale Fife and Drums. Aunt Ruby's funeral procession walked from the church to the cemetery with the entire fife and drum company playing. It was a very moving ceremony. At Uncle Jack's funeral his mace was put to rest along with the interment of his body. I will always remember the drums beating. They are  buried here together.

St John Fisher Church [69]

I have driven by this church, St John Fisher, so many times and admired the architecture. Was not able to enter it today but did pray at the statue of St John Fisher.

Angel Roadside Memorial [68]

Caught this one the other day but couldn't stop so went there on Wednesday. A beautiful sunny day and a very personal message on this roadside memorial. Would love to hear the story behind this. I pray for the lost soul.

The First Unitarian Society of Schenectady [67]

Took a tour of The First Unitarian Society building designed by Edward Durrell Stone. What a beautiful building, circular and peaceful. The facade is striking.

The plans to restore it to its original shape show an entrance way that incorporates structure and nature. I hope they will be able to manage the restoration.

Grafton Peace Pagoda [66]

Meditated today at the Grafton Peace Pagoda in upstate New York. It was a long journey on a gorgeous sunny day. The road to the pagoda was washed out so the only way up there was on a long, winding, dangerously muddy path dotted with many man-made rock meditative structures.

The stupa was immense and I walked around it clockwise three times: ground, terrace and sculpture level. There were bas-relief sculptures telling the story of Buddha and his lifetime.

After leaving my card with a carving in the meditation garden, I meditated in the temple itself which was in a nearby building.

This was a terrific experience and well worth the trip. Sometime I would like to return and take part in one of the services.

blognote: I heard about the Peace Pagoda from someone I met on my Central Europe trip in October. I was able to visit and share a tasteful Japanese lunch.

Roadside Memorial in the Woods [65]

Passed by this roadside memorial driving through the backwoods of Connecticut going from hither to yon. It is so simple and fits in beautifully in the nature setting. It makes you wonder who this person was and how special his family/friends thought him to be. What a wonderful statement.