Quaker Meeting House

Chesterfield Meeting House

Years ago when visiting my Aunt Florene in Chesterhill, Ohio she took me to the Quaker Meeting House where she worshiped.

Quaker worship sounds very appealing to me. The meeting house is simple and and worship is based on silent waiting. During this time, they listen for the small voice that comes from God through what they call Inward Light. Worshiping with others in silence forms a different kind of community.

That’s not to say that it is completely silent. If someone feels moved to speak, they do. And then the silence continues.

Quakers are welcoming to all and worshipers are encouraged to come as they are. They believe that every person is loved by and guided by God. For an introvert who is annoyed by the amount of chatter in some churches, this sounds like a dream come true. I’m sure this is an over simplified explanation of the faith but hopefully you will be interested to learn more.

Chesterhill was founded by the Quakers in 1834 and was originally called Chesterfield. This meeting house was built five years later and sits on the same site as the original meeting house from their founding year.

Morgan County had a well organized chapter of the Underground Railroad and the Quakers of this town were said to be instrumental in its success. Legend has it that no slaves were ever captured here.

The day I visited, Florene and I were the only two people in the building. It was a peaceful experience and it made me wish I lived closer.

I think I was still using film at the time or maybe was just transitioning to digital. The photos aren’t especially good (and I would love to go back someday) but you hopefully will find it interesting anyway.

 

 

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KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Union Hall Theater Revisited

Back in July I told you about visiting Union Hall Theater when I went to see an old pal and his band perform. It was an unusual day, odd enough that I wrote another post just about what happened.

I wanted to go that day because of the band but had another motive. I was there years ago, when it was closed, and swore that someday I would be back for a show.

Today I found the pictures from that day. Have a look!

 

World Famous Hot Dogs

I’m a sucker for great advertising, especially where there’s brick involved. Throw in some great patina on a vintage Pepsi or Coke sign and I’m all yours. This was taken in Wytheville, Virginia earlier this year. Skeeter’s is still there although I didn’t make it in – they didn’t have much on the menu for a vegetarian but the overflow crowd on the sidewalk suggested that it’s a happening place.

Gloomy Day Musings

It has been gloomy here in southeastern Ohio for a few days now. The rain has settled in and, despite promises of pleasant weather this weekend, it’s starting to feel like the sun is on permanent leave.

This has caused me to reminisce about a vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains three years ago this week. We had lovely weather for most of the week but the day we visited Clingman’s Dome was gloomy.

Incidentally, the visit to Clingman’s Dome included a short hike on the Appalachian Trail which runs right through the Smokys. It was my first experience on the trail and a memorable one. It is a dream of mine to hike the AT. At my age and position in life, it would have to be in sections but I think it’s a worthwhile goal. That would be an incredible adventure!

But I digress.

We saw some amazing things on this trip but, for some reason, this image has stayed with me and has become iconic to that trip. It’s not the most beautiful picture I took that trip but it’s haunting and beautiful and I like it anyway.

 

Things You Miss From The Car

Southern Ohio is very rural. We’re spread out and there’s little in the way of public transportation. That means that people here drive most everywhere. That also means we miss a lot that we would normally see on foot.

Saturday’s ghost walk in Chillicothe gave me opportunity to notice a few things on foot, things that I’ve seen but never really studied.

I really love buildings with unusual shapes and details like beautiful doors and bright colors. Old murals and great advertising draw my eye as well. Isn’t the blue door with the pop of yellow fabulous?

Beauty Blooms

You are still learning
that beauty blooms
in the darkest of places,
like the flower whose roots
grab hold of the soil
deep underneath the ground,
yes, you will rise
like the stem,
and open your petals to the sky.

by Marisa-Donnelly