Pillars & Foundations

While much of my focus in Pillars & Foundations had focused on places of worship and more recently, cemeteries, community cornerstones such as libraries has always been on my radar to feature. Undoubtedly the have an enormous impact on communities serving as fountains of knowledge and centers to organize activities that benefit the community they reside within. On an early summer trip to western Massachusetts we stopped in Adams, wandered around the town center, and took time to visit the prominently located public library. It's yellow/tan bricks make it stand out as it looks down upon McKinley Square. A statue of William McKinley stands in the center of the square. McKinley was the 25th president of the United States until he was assassinated in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz , an anarchist who saw the action as a protest against social inequity. Theodore Roosevelt ascended to the presidency ushering in the modern Progressive era. McKinley's connection to Adams, MA, was that he la...

It's been a while, a year actually since I've posted in Pillars & Foundations. The thought has been there however like many I've tried to navigate this altered state that we exist in. Like many of you I've sought out different methods of managing my peace of mind. For me it has been escaping to nature when I can for look solitary walks in the forest. While not a solid excuse, my blogging has certainly taken a hit by re-dedication of time. Of course my exploration of community institutions, and places of worship has also taken a hit by curbs on social gatherings. I suspect these days I would get more strange looks showing up somewhere I don't regularly attend, with the justified concerns of people, and often reduced attendance of services. At the end of this summer I happened upon Union Chapel in North Hampton, NH when my wife and I were visiting the gorgeous Fuller Gardens . The chapel is directly across the street from the parking lot, with a view of the Atlant...