Part I: St. Mary's in the Hills
The sun cracked through the mountains like fire on stone, as the blue sky colluded with gray clouds, conspiring for rain. The gray coolness of the last Sunday in August was like water in the desert - the air and trees felt alive with the moisture - the cool wetness welcome from the hot humidity of Raleigh's scorching temps. I find a peace in the cloudy days in the mountains - the smoke rising in the clouds has a mysterious knowing to it - the clouds call us to search our own hearts and minds - while making peace with the things we fight against. There is nothing cleaner and more invigorating than a mountain rain.
My mom and I enjoyed a breakfast of cereal, yogurt and fruit at the Ridgeway Inn before embarking to St. Mary's of the Hills for Sunday service. This beautiful stone edifice, located in the heart of downtown is a space alive with grace and hope. The church's architecture reflects the contemplative spirit of the mountains and invites travelers into the peace of God's SPIRIT of Light. I loved the mountain architecture and old world charm of the edifice - while a church cannot be defined by its grand style - it does reflect the active community oriented parish that make Blowing Rock their home and serve their community with love and compassion.
The name St. Mary's of the Hills struck a particular chord with me as I have a strong devotion to Mother Mary - who was a light who followed God's will and said 'yes' to God. Mary is a tender mother who God entrusted with HIS very self in the incarnate word and St. Mary's of the Hills reflects the humility and fortitude of Mary and points the way to Christ, her son, our LORD.
Built in 1918, St. Mary's of the Hills instantly invokes a sense of contemplative wonder in embracing grace and worship. The church is home to Madonna of the Hills, a master work by former congregant and internationally renowned artist Elliott Daingerfield. The church also features glorious stain glass windows and handcrafted Stations of the Cross.
http://ncpedia.org/biography/daingerfield-elliott
The service included uplifting hymns and a thought-provoking sermon about embracing desert times and our call to provide nourishment to others in their desert times - I have been in a desert time in my life and the imagery of the sermon and scripture spoke to my heart - I felt the Holy Spirit at work. Receiving communion I prayed in thanksgiving for God's nourishing love and grace in desert times and the blessing of my life and hope for the future. How can I build God's kingdom? Where have I kept my feet secure in Him, and where do I let fear paralyze my soul?
After church, my mom and I ate a hearty meal at the Town Tavern. The rain had tapered off, so we decided to sit outside. The Town Tavern is a popular spot for locals to listen to local musicians play cover tunes and originals while enjoying drafts in a family friendly atmosphere.
I ordered a locally bred grass fed organic burger with NC bacon, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce with a side of got to be NC home sweet potato fries. My mom and I split a yummy salad - loaded with tomatoes, carrots and cheese.
Stuffed and ready to explore the mountains, my mom and drove eighteen miles west towards Linville NC to Grandfather Mountain.
Grandfather Mountain is arguably the icon of the North Carolina mountains, it is a place that crosses space and time - a common anchor in the tapestry of North Carolina myth, lore and adventure. Grandfather Mountain is a converging ecological region where alpine extremes meet with wildflower valleys and unique geologic wonders. Grandfather Mountain is truly a place where wonders never cease...stay tuned for my blog on our trip to Grandfather Mountain.
No comments:
Post a Comment