Council for Health and Human Service Ministries

Word and Deed: Thoughts on Faith-Based Leadership

New Harmony, Indiana - A Spiritual, Intellectual, Creative Haven

Har*mo*ny: 1.Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord. 2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole. 3. Music; a combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear.

Shirley Nelson Imagine a place that creates a feeling of being on one accord with the world and fills you with a sense of wonder and awe. Serene, peaceful, lovely, and clean are only a few of the adjectives one can use to describe New Harmony, IN. Combine that with creative, lively, spiritual, intellectual, quaint and even a little quirky, and you get an even fuller picture of this tiny town on the banks of the Wabash River. I was there recently to consider it for a venue for the Faith-Based Leadership Institute (FBLI) program. Judging from the description given in a magazine article that I read, I knew this was a special place that would provide an atmosphere for learning and spiritual development as well as allow FBLI participants to rest, relax, and be rejuvenated.

The view from the balcony of my room was breathtaking and evenings were just nippy enough to enjoy the fireplace. Looking out over the grounds my eyes rested upon long, winding walking trails, trees of all different sizes, shapes, and types, and the soothing Wabash River--home to a beautiful swan who captivated the attention of passersby while gliding back and forth as though it was all he had to do in the world. The days were warm and the nights were cool and the entire town, except for the Yellow Tavern, closed down by 9:00 p.m. Peace...like a river.

Every place of note is within walking distance, but there are also golf carts and bicycles available at no charge to guests of the Inn. I took in a movie at the one theatre in town and indulged in spirited conversations with numerous visitors and residents at the Church Street Coffee House along with owner Laura, her sister Molly (a jazz vocalist), and an assortment of friends: Kevin (a baker and philosopher); Griffin and Lexi (artists); Charlie and Susan (collector of African American literature and writer, respectively); and Cyndi (someone who is considering moving back to New Harmony). Surrounded by rare books, art, and jars of freshly made honey, I soaked it all in while my soul was being nourished by the people, the place, robust coffee, hearty sandwiches, and tempting sweets.

Not only was my dining experience at the neighborhood coffee house unforgettable but so were both meals at the elegant Red Geranium restaurant. It would take a few hundred more words to describe the ambiance at the Red Geranium and the exquisitely prepared meals but I won't do that--you just have to go there. I visited the Roofless Church, a popular spot for weddings, and could feel the energy of peace and love as soon as I walked past the threshold. It was built without a roof for all worshipping humanity with the belief that only one roof, the sky, could embrace all. There is a place in New Harmony for everyone, regardless of your spiritual inclination, and you are welcomed with open arms.

New Harmony has gardens galore and they're spread throughout town. While walking through some of them you are greeted by spiritual and philosophical sayings that may cause you to stop and think for a while. Also, there is art work everywhere--paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more inspirational signposts that pop up everywhere and will surprise you as you're traveling through the city. While I was there, the town was filled with artists from all across the US enjoying the natural beauty and creating art wherever they desired to plop down. "Paint Out" is an event that is held in New Harmony every spring whereby artists are invited to set up their easels and paletes wherever they want to. It could be someone's yard, porch, sidewalk, driveway, or any public area that appeals to them.

The New Harmony Inn and Conference Center is located in southern Indiana just 30 miles west of Evansville, IN, in the lower Wabash River Valley. Surrounded by towering trees, gently rolling hills, and tranquil ponds, the acclaimed New Harmony Inn offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Dotty, sales manager of the New Harmony Inn, is an excellent host and may even offer to pick you up from the airport when you visit. For more information please go to their website at http://newharmonyinn.com.

Shirley Nelson

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