Imagine what Union Chapel in the Grove looked like in 1872. Methodists arrived from Brooklyn to found the Shelter Island Grove and Camp Meeting Association, purchasing 300 acres and naming it “Prospect Grove.”
It doesn’t look much different now, though the neighborhood has graceful Victorian homes instead of cows and chickens.
An article in the New York Times, dated July 18, 1873, described the attendance of the first camp meeting “as yet rather small.”
“Between 400 and 500 have arrived but before the expiration of the ten days during which the camp will last, at least double this number will probably visit it.”
Today, Union Chapel is rediscovering its roots. The trustees made a decision to move services outdoors initially to protect the health of the congregation, but the feeling is that the services are so tranquil in the open air that they may continue outside throughout the summer.
Social distancing and face coverings are mandatory.
The opening of camp
Back in 1873, “Services have all been very quiet and undemonstrative since the opening of the camp…for there is a quiet earnestness about the manner in which nearly all those here participate in the services, that can leave no doubt of their sincerity.”
“Hospitality toward strangers and universal good feeling and sociability seem to prevail everywhere in the camp and one would be a churl, indeed, not to feel softened and kindly toward his fellows amid the beautiful surroundings of this grove.”
“There is a world of meaning in the earnestness with which the simple, old-fashioned, familiar hymns are sung; and even one classed with the worldly-minded cannot but be deeply impressed by it.”
Last week’s service
Trustee Peter Pettibone led the July 12 service that included hymns sung by Thomas Milton, and Old and New Testament readings by Trustee Joan Mohr.
Alice Goldman, also a trustee, spoke of Emily Dickinson, a poet who lived during the time when the Union Chapel in the Grove was in its beginnings. Goldman mentioned Dickinson’s life, her dislike of the organized Puritanical religion of her upbringing, and the importance of spirituality in her life.
This may be the goal of Union Chapel as it opens its doors, moves outside into the grove, and welcomes everyone of different faiths. A sense of shared spirituality, the “earnestness” of praying among tall trees in a shady grove.
To quote Dickinson:
“Hope is a thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.”
During an uncertain time, hope is needed and shared, with enough to go around.
Sunday, July 19
Everyone is welcome to Sunday morning service at 10:30; no gathering will be held in the event of rain. On Sunday, July 19, cellist Christopher Herman will perform music from Antonio Vivaldi and Bernhard Romberg.
Bring a chair and an open heart.
Visit the chapel website at unionchapelinthegrove.org. Follow Union Chapel on Facebook and Instagram.
JoAnn Kirkland is an assistant to the Trustees of Union Chapel in the Grove.
