Pillars & Foundations

Old Burial Ground, Lynnfield, Massachusetts Also known as Lynnfield Centre Cemetery , this burial ground has Revolutionary War veterans amongst those interred. The location is picturesque, cornered between the town center, a stone's throw from an old meeting house, shadowed by towering white pines, and on the edge of wetlands, this site is quintessential rural New England. As a visitor you can't help but look at it and imagine how settlers in the recent past laid down their roots in a raw, wild environment. The challenges they must have faced, and yet they strived to create these dignified monuments to their forbearers surrounded by the rugged lands they hoped to tame. Today, just over a couple centuries later, the frenetic energy of greater Boston envelops it while allowing this town to maintain its quaint, traditional beauty. Somewhat surprisingly, there isn't a lot written about this location, at least not something easily searchable on the internet. The leads w...

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...

Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, Wakefield, MA This blog documents my exploration as I attend the services of many different churches, predominantly near where I live in Massachusetts. These institutions are important, often overlooked and occasionally misjudged centers of our communities. These institutions have 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. The Building, and the History The church is located right on the Lynnfield border in an area that is convenient to the centers of both towns. It is in a pleasant, perhaps quaint neighborhood of colonials and suburban New England appeal. The church is very unique looking, it has an art-deco style of architecture with a wood beam vaulted ceiling inside...

Centre Congregational Church, UCC, Lynnfield, Massachusetts My intent with this blog is to explore and experience the services of many different churches, predominantly near where I live in Massachusetts. 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. The Building & History: Centre Congregational lies in bucolic Lynnfield Massachusetts, populated with wide expanses of tree-filled yards with grand colonial structures, often covered in white clapboard as is the church itself. It feels like a living museum on display, as the people of Lynnfield have clearly made efforts to preserve the historic character ...