Northeast States

ATERBURY - To some who visit the remains of an 18-acre theme park, inspired by selected passages from the Bible, find inspiration and solace in its existance. Others have reported experiencing an eerie, ghost-like atmosphere from the statues and structures that have falleninto disrepair over the years.

Holy Land USA was conceived by John Baptist Greco, a Waterbury-based attorney. Greco, a Roman Catholic, founded a volunteer organization called Companions of Christ, with the purpose of creating an attraction that would replicate Bethlehem and Jerusalem of the Biblical era. Construction commenced in 1955. It opened soon after and welcomed an average of 40,000 to 50,000 visitors a year.

This park did not offer carnival rides, games, or food. Instead, there was huge 56-foot illuminated cross as a focal point with numerous onrete buildings and statues to depict the Biblical cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. There was a snack bar and gift shop. A huge Hollywood-style sign graced the banks of the village announcing the Holy Land USA destination.

The park closed in 1984 and quickly fell into disrepair. Vandalism took it’s toll on the once popular site until area church officials and community volunteers recently began restoring attractions and repaving roads. In a turn of events that may be familiar to people of faith, the park appears to be in the midst of a resurrection.

While it is still officially closed, people still visit the site to pray or offer devotions on the mountain. Many Waterbury residents are Catholic, but people of all faiths have banded together to help rehabilitate the park. Volunteers have helped remove trees, large rocks, and trash from the site, and a construction company donated their time to repave the winding paths with donated tar.

Mass was held in 2018 with more than 1,000 attending. It was a hit, so the event was repeated in 2019.

Although the park has a long way to go before it’s back to hosting 40,000 people a year as before, there is hope it will return to its original splendor and welcome even more. For more information and updates, call the Waterbury Region Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888-588-7880.

Things to Do: 3-2-1 Getaway to Chateau Country WILMINGTON – The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau is bringing back its “32-1 Getaway” travel offer just in time for spring. The package, a $118-plus value, features free admission for up to four people to three of the area’s top attractions with a minimum two-night stay at any participating hotel.

Sarah Willoughby, executive director of the Bureau, said, “This is an excellent value. And spring into early summer is when our gardens are in full bloom. It’s one of the best times of year to visit Chateau Country.”

The “3-2-1 Getaway” package includes admission for two adults and up to two children (ages 17 and story began. The original riverside gunpowder mills under) to Hagley Museum and Library; Winterthur and workers’ quarters are located here as is the origMuseum, Garden and Library; and Mt. Cuba Center. inal du Pont family home and gardens. Visitors can It is available for stays now through June 30, 2021. also stroll its 235-acres and follow the Powder Yard

The package can be purchased directly from partic- Trail along the Brandywine Creek. This trail explains ipating hotels. Click here for a complete list of hotels the process of how the DuPont Company made offering the package. Many of the hotels are current- blasting powder and gunpowder. Visitors will also ly offering reduced rates and special offers. discover the purpose of many buildings and sites

Participating hotels include Courtyard Newark at throughout the powder yards.the University of Delaware (accepting reservations Mt. Cuba Center is home to more than 1,000 native June 1, 2021), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilm- plants, many of which are threatened by extinction. ington, Embassy Suites Wilmington/Newark South, It consists of 630 acres of historic pastures, fields, Hampton Inn and Suites Wilmington/Christiana, ponds, native forests, a woodland wildflower garHoliday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Wilmington/ den, and formal landscapes. In July 2020, Mt. Cuba Newark, Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown earned the title of “Best Botanical Garden” in USA Wilmington, Homewood Suites by Hilton Newark/ Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Wilmington South, HOTEL DU PONT, The Inn at At Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, visiMontchanin Village and Spa, Residence Inn Wilm- tors can take a self-guided tour of the mansion and ington Downtown, Sheraton Suites Downtown explore the glorious 60-acre garden on a narrated Wilmington, and Springhill Suites by Marriott New- tram ride or a stroll through its 25 miles of trails. The ark Downtown. 1000-acre estate’s reflecting pool (formerly the du

To limit touch points due to COVID-19, tickets will Pont family swimming pool) and its playful koi are be delivered electronically to guests’ mobile phones. other highlights. Kids will love walking through the Reservations are not required at any of the attrac- mystical Enchanted Woods. tions. However, it is recommended that guests call For more information go to VisitWilmingtonDE.Winterthur in advance if they would like to tour the com. estate house as space is limited. Go to www.winterthur.org/visit for more information. All three attractions included in the package are For More on Delaware former du Pont family estates and gardens. Hagley Museum and Library is where the du Pont >Click Here

Between Rockport’s busy harbor and the fields of Aldermere Farms sits Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel. Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel is a non-denominational outdoor chapel. The chapel can seat 50 people and is a perfect location for special occasions such as weddings, baptisms, and memorials. But even in the absence of a big event, the Chapel is a great place to relax, to think, to meditate or pray, and to paint or draw, and it is open to the public for all of these things.

The site that the Chapel enjoys used to be home to a hotel called Tamarack Lodge, which burned in 1954. The Chapel was built in 1960 by Helene Bok. Part of the stone foundation from the Tamarack has been incorporated into the gardens. Visitors enjoy a formal garden that features annuals and perennials, herbs, and a variety of trees. A spacious lawn provides great spots for picnicking.

Vesper Hill Children’s ChapelA dedication plaque in the chapel reads: This chapel is built to the memory of all young people who have passed through this world and gained God by so doing. It stands for freedom, thought, prayer, and action. It stands for holiness within the body, and for God in the heart each waking hour. May the Lord bless all young people who come here for spiritual and mental refreshment. – Helene Bok..

To reach the Chapel, take Russell Avenue out of downtown Rockport. Then turn right on Calderwood Lane. Go past Megunticook Golf Course. On your right, you’ll see a driveway marked by a boulder with the world “Vesper Hill” inscribed on it.

The Chapel is open from midApril through October. Call (207) 236-6139 for more information.

One hundred forty-five years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this stunning basilica was constructed in Baltimore — a place where Catholics had been persecuted by the Puritans after fleeing persecution in England. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is today a welcome place for people of all religions. It has been blessed by both Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II, the latter of whom called it “the worldwide symbol of religious freedom.” Indeed, while visiting the basilica, it is hard to remain unmoved by the thought of the many whose cruel persecution inspired the building of this place.

BOSTON - On your next extended weekend getaway, consider blending the historical gems of this community with the religious side by taking a tour. Or maybe two or three. There is even a special tour based on the stained glass windows alone at Trinity Church. Founded in 1877, the church has one of the finest collections in the nation and includes pieces from many of the major 19th century American and European glass studios. Trinity Church Boston is designated as “one of the ten most important buildings in America” by the American Institute of Architects. More than 70,000 visitors tour this National Historic Landmark building each year. https://www. trinitychurchboston.org/visit/tours

CTB Tours has tours addressing the religious, historical, ethnic, cultural, educational or medical aspects of Boston. Sample religious tours are the “New England Church History Tour” and “Old North Church.”

Religious tour groups can take an unofficial tour at the Shambhala Meditation Center to learn more about Shambhala Buddhism. They will see the shrine room and can try meditating for a few minutes. Religious tours can stop by for the weekly open house and participate in a half hour of meditation The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, also offers religious group tours. Experience the historic sanctuary, see the exhibit Reconnect to the Tapestry, and learn about Jewish spirituality, history and culture.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, also the Mother Church and world headquarters, offers tours that include The Extension, built in the Byzantine-Renaissance style, and has one of the largest pipe organs in the nation. Religious tours also learn about the founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. Mary was an influential American author, teacher, and religious leader, noted for her groundbreaking ideas about spirituality and health. In 1908 she launched The Christian Science Monitor, a leading international newspaper, the recip- ient, to date, of seven Pulitzer Prizes.

Enjoy tours offered by the Freedom Trail Foundation. The 90-minute “Walk Into History” tour focuses on colonists who contributed to establishing this republic, narrated by a guide in 18th century dress. Through Old Town Trolley Tours, religious tour groups will see sites such as ancient burial grounds and national landmarks including Old North Church and the site of the Boston massacre. Passengers can hop off and see shops, museums, restaurants and the pub from the television show Cheers.

Situated on a secluded hilltop, this nondenominational and historic site is one of New England’s most moving and spiritual places. There is a panoramic view of the Grand Monadnock from the openj-air meeting space.

Historic monuments honor the service of American men and women—both military and civilian. Visitors have come from all over the world to explore the extraordinary sanctuary grounds, meditate in outdoor chapels and gardens, and learn about the history of this destination.

Cathedral of the Pines is a nationally recognized memorial dedicated to the memory and honor of all Americans who serve the nation in search of peace. It is open to the public as a place of spiritual, cultural, and environmental appreciation.

Sibyl and Douglas Sloane III purchased the property in Rindge in 1937 with plans to build homes for their four children. A hurricane severely damaged the property, however, leaving the open view of Grand Monadnock Mountain.

After serving during World War II, their son, Sandy, was killed flying over Germany in 1944. A memorial service was held in the clearing. Many came to that service, which was the beginning of Cathedral of the Pines.

In the following years, all faiths were welcomed. The memorials they buildt each honored their son and all others who served the Nation.

Today there are numerous trails to explore. An Easter sunrise service will be held at 6 a.m. with a regular service at 10 a.m. in the Rindge Congregational Church.

For more information, call 603899-3300, or visit online at https:// www.cathedralofthepines.org/

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PETERSBURG - Celebrating it’s 27th year anniversary, the Grafton Peace Pagoda is a Japanese Buddhist temple of the Nipponzan Myohoji order, built on Mohican scared land. We are grateful that the Grafton Peace Pagoda can continue to be a sacred place of pilgrimage, and place for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together and pray for world peace . However, for everyone’s safety, the temple and outdoor bathrooms are currently closed. As of right now, the outside grounds are are open.

In 1978, Native Americans organized “The Longest Walk”, wherein participants walked cross-country from San Francisco, California to Washington, DC.

Accompanying them on their walk, was a Japanese Buddhist Nun from the Nipponzan Myohoji order. Since then, Jun Yasuda has crossed the country four more times on foot and logged in several thousand additional miles for the cause of peace. She walks beating her drum while chanting a prayer for peace Na-Mu-Myo-HoRen-Ge-Kyo. Many times, she has spent days fasting on the steps of the NY StateCapitol in Albany for support of freedom for a Native American activist Dennis Banks. In 1983, during one of her fasts, she was approached by Hank Hazelton, a long time activist for Native Americans. Hank had heard of her work and offered her a parcel of land in Grafton, New York, for the purpose of building a “Monument for Peace”.

In October 1985, work began on the structure soon to be called the Grafton Peace Pagoda. After 8 years of toil and struggle, the Pagoda was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1993.Peace Pagodas are a symbol of non-violence dating as far back as 2000 years ago. The Pagoda was built entirely with donated labor, funds and materials.

STRASBURG - For more than 40 years, story, song, and spectacular staging has been bringing each Sight & Sound show to life. They take classic Biblical stories and characters like Noah, Samson, Joseph, Daniel, Jonah, and Jesus and craft an elaborate musical production around each that tells the story and the underlying message of that portion of Scripture. Every show is an epic experience with a meaningful message. It is where edge-of-your-seat action meets heartfelt drama.

Sight & Sound’s unique theater experience begins with a 2,000 seat auditorium, a 300-ft stage that surrounds the audience on three sides, a cast of 50 actors, state-of-the-art technology, and live animals. Sight & Sound Theatre presents an all-new production in 2021. Set in the opulent (yet perilous) Persian Empire, QUEEN ESTHER is a captivating tale of beauty and bravery. Esther’s ordinary life changed forever when she was taken through the palace doors, entering a new world of royalty and risk. With a crown on her head and a secret in her heart, can she find the courage to trust in God’s plan and believe that she was made for such a time as this? riveting Bible stories of the Old Testament as it comes to life with magnificent sets, special effects and live animals in this brandnew, original stage production from Sight & Sound Theatres Tickets for Queen Esther areonsale now and shows are scheduled now through December 23.

For more information or to reserve tickets, visit https://sightsound.com/

Visitors to America’s smallest state will find a wealth of historical attractions that preserve its religious heritage. A good place to start is downtown Providence, the capital and largest city. It was here that Roger Williams (1603-1683), the founder of Rhode Island, settled in 1636 on land that he bought from the Narragansett Indians, declaring it a settlement for the persecuted of all religions. advocating separation of church and state in Colonial America. He is also the founder of the first Baptist church in America. He had been banished by the Puritans in Massachusetts for challenging established religion and government, the very reason he had left England for America. His colony also became a refuge for Quakers, Hugenots and Jews.

The three-acre Roger Williams Memorial, a National Park Service site on the spring where Williams settled, is a 4.5-acre greenspace with interpretive panels along brick paths and a small visitor center featuring exhibits and a five-minute film. See the seven-foot-tall, painted papier-mache statue of Williams that stood outside a local bank from 1960-1983. Beans, corn and squash are grown in the Native American Garden next to the center. On Prospect Terrace, a few blocks up the hill, is a statue of Williams that marks where his remains and those of his wife were reinterred in 1939.

Also nearby is the First Baptist Meeting House, better known as The First Baptist Church in America. A stately, cream-colored church built in 1775 for the Baptist congregation organized by Williams and others in 1638, it is affiliated with American Baptist Churches/USA. A blend of English Georgian architecture and the traditional New England meeting house style, this Providence landmark has a classic New England steeple topped by a weather vane and with a Roman-numeral clock on all four sides.

The church’s interior, with a gray-green color scheme, is distinguished by box pews, balcony seating, Palladian windows with shutters, fluted columns and a central chandelier. Guided tours are given after the Sunday service, and the church is open for self-guided tours from Monday through Friday. The church, right across the river from Providence’s central business district, is part of the East Side skyline and backs up to Benefit Street, which boasts one of the largest concentrations of 18th and 19th century buildings in America, most of them private homes. A stroll on the brick and flagstone walks along this tree-shaded “Mile of History” reveals a variety of architectural styles. Not far away are the historic campus of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). A must-see is RISD’s Museum of Art, which covers the gamut from Egyptian and Roman to French Impressionism and contemporary. For more information, visit online at https://www. history.com/ topics/reformation/roger-williams