During this Lenten season, the Memorial community is reflecting on the meaning of place. This week, we are asked to consider the physical space of Memorial Church at 1407 Bolton St and what it means to us.
For me, Memorial was the place that brought me back to church after leaving the Catholic Church in which I grew up - with many years of wandering in between. The prayers, sounds, and smells reminded me of my childhood and were comforting. That was 19 years ago. Since then, I have laughed, cried, hugged, celebrated, and remembered too many times to count in this space - from the choir chairs, the pews, and even the pulpit a time or two. I was involved in turning this space into a theater for 2 weeks out of the year - whether singing, dancing, baking, producing, or directing. Those were opportunities to bring joy in community and create with my kids - especially during troubled times in my life and the life of Baltimore.
I find energy in the peaceful quiet when the church is empty and the loud symphony when it is filled. Though there have been times when I needed distance from those stone walls. And when I was ready to come home, the doors were open and I was filled once again.
So, these last two years as we were forced into the wilderness for much longer than 40 days have been difficult. I am grateful that we were able to redefine church and remain in community from afar, but I have missed the inside of the sanctuary and the gatherings in Farnham Hall. I missed having the option of celebrating worship in our space. I can't lie - I enjoy attending church in my jammies with my coffee in hand and puppies at my feet. While comforting, still not the same sense of comfort I get sitting in the pews (I do miss the pews...) or singing with the choir (I miss that, too).
I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I attended church in-person for the first time in two years. I could feel the sound of the organ (our new organist, Kenny, is amazing). The service was active again (it feels weird standing on zoom). There were one armed hugs. All the parts of the choir were blended as they should be. I received the eucharist and was fed. In my gratefulness of having our virtual services, I forgot about those moments where I feel the thin spaces and closer to God.
For me, I need that sacred space to gather. A place where I can lay down my burdens. A place of welcome. A space that can be transformed for the good work that needs to be done that day for God's people. A space that continues to evolve to meet the needs for this community and the broader city of Baltimore. A space that serves as an example for my kids for how to care for others and love thy neighbor - all our neighbors. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming service or event.
- Stacy Wells, Junior Warden, resident of Bolton Hill, and mother of Nate (14) and Mary Anne (13)