Machias Maine – Sweet Words from Maine

Of Central Importance

There was a time when “Houses of God” occupied a central place and role in New England villages. For example, the Congregational Church in Machias is a lovely, historic building situated prominently on “Center Street.” Today many, beautiful, old church structures still stand, but attendance testifies to their dwindling influence. Some are now defunct andContinue reading “Of Central Importance”

Freedom Rings

Nestled in the picturesque Machias valley lies this historic New England village. The Church in this photo played a role in a Revolutionary War naval battle during which local patriots captured a British ship, the Margaretta, took it up Middle River, (foreground) and scuttled it. New England villages are steeped with the history and ambianceContinue reading “Freedom Rings”

Does Peace Have a Chance?

John Lennon’s lyrics of “All we are saying is give peace a chance” “are familiar to those who remember the antiwar songs of the sixty’s. It may seem cynical to say, but history has proven that world peace will always be an elusive, utopian ideal. There is no trust among those who seek power andContinue reading “Does Peace Have a Chance?”

Are Our Villages Disappearing?

Once, villages were the repositories of cultural values. Families, neighbors, home grown school teachers, community leaders, small churches and their pastors, or other worship centers and their religious leaders were the most important “influencers” in a child’s life. Over time, the number of “influencers” competing for the minds of our children has significantly increased. TheContinue reading “Are Our Villages Disappearing?”