Pillars & Foundations

West Burying Ground, Lynnfield, Massachusetts Amazingly I was not able to find very much information on " West Burying Ground ," which is also apparently known as Main Street Cemetery. Other than a quick mention of a ceremony being held there on Memorial day , my internet searches didn't even produce a mention of what wars the veterans interred here may have fought in. I would speculate the battles could span from Revolutionary War, to War of 1812, and the Civil War with the 1813 date. But scanning through the details of the graves I'm finding many of the people laid to rest were born too close or late to likely have served in the Revolutionary War. There are two burial sites in close proximity in Lynnfield, both of which date relatively far back in the area's short history of British/non-native settlers. I will spend time discussing Lynnfield's "Old Burying Ground," which is logically (wait for it,) older in another post for another day...

First Congregational Church of Reading, Reading, MA Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work. Building & History First Congregational became a separate entity from two neighboring churches in Wakefield and North Reading in 1770 .  While the current granite building built in 1910, is the fourth meeting place of this congregation, the organization itself is older than the country it resides in. The current church's architectural style is described as Colle...

Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield, MA Through my efforts in Pillars & Foundations, I've been exploring and experiencing the services of many different churches, predominantly near where I live in Massachusetts. Discovering all of these different faith communities builds my knowledge of the neighborhoods around me and the people who live there. These institutions are important, often overlooked and even misjudged centers of our communities that seek to make a positive impact on their participants, as well as others through their generosity and public service. It is possible that through this activity I may eventually consider a long term relationship with one of these pillars and foundations of the community, however I am eager to do a lot of exploring first. Fantastic quote. Don't let the past define you, nor worries of what yet is to come. That's my take. Building/History The church was established in 1813 as First Universalist Church which...

Saint Patrick Parish, Lawrence, MA Pillars & Foundations was started as an effort to explore my surrounding communities through their religious institutions, and to share my experiences. These institutions share a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their charitable work. History/Building This church dates from 1869 . Construction of the church was begun in 1881, and the upper church was completed in 1894 ( courtesy of history information on parish website ). Saint Patrick Parish boasts an upper church and a lower church. I attended Mass in the lower church. At some point I will need to return to experience Mass in the upper sanctuary. The Parish website has an some excellent links providing images and details of the stained glass windows in the upper church , as well as the lower church . Rev. Paul B. O'Brien joined the church in 2001 and oversaw the parish becoming...

High St. Congregational Church, Auburn, Maine Pillars & Foundations was started as an effort to explore my surrounding communities through their religious institutions, and to share my experiences. What all of these institutions share in common is a drive to make a difference, and they do, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their charitable work. While the sanctuary may only be just over 30 years old, the traditional white-washed accents of an older Congregational Church, along with the beautiful stained glass windows with names of historical benefactors, such as Edward Little provide great character to this old church's new building This post is another focused on my home communities of Lewiston and Auburn (I'm from Sabattus), as I recently traveled there from my current home in Massachusetts to visit with family.  The History of High St. Congregational Church The first thing I remember about High St. Congr...