WATERVLIET SHAKER COMMUNITY

Many years ago, while exploring American highways, I stumbled on a Shaker heritage site that sparked my interest in the organization.  Shakers, also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, are an offshoot sect of the Quakers, and are famous for their gender equality, communal and celibate lifestyle, and spare yet beautiful architecture and furniture design. While touring the grounds, I was taken with the immaculate interiors, demonstrations of baking and handicrafts by museum interpreters, and the "living farm" atmosphere created by gardens and livestock.

Last fall, when I took a trip to Pennsylvania, I detoured to visit another Shaker site: the Watervliet Shaker Community Historic Site near Albany. I was hoping to once again step back into the gracefully austere lifestyle of the Shakers, but instead, my visit left me depressed at the state of the place.

Watervliet is America's first Shaker settlement, established in 1776, with the movement's most famous founder, Mother Ann Lee, resting in their graveyard.  The site is unfortunately derelict and has only one building open to the public.  Although I appreciated the industry of the Christmas craft fair being held in this building, the goods on offer were out of step with this Shaker maxim:

Don't make something unless it is both made necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don't hesitate to make it beautiful.

Watervliet has an illustrious history as the source of inventions such as flat brooms and vacuum-sealed cans. They also originated the packaged seed industry. At its peak in 1850, the community supported 230 of the 6,000 Shakers across the US, living almost entirely self sufficiently and producing goods for sale across the country.

I appreciate that funding issues can prevent restoration and that just the fact that the site still stands is impressive, considering the adjacent airport and the encroachment of Albany.  I was also there in the off-season and it seems that the The Shaker Heritage Society is making a valiant effort with educational outreach, virtual tours on their website and summer agricultural demonstrations. However, it will take a strong leader to sweep away the caution tape and reverse the effects of time's decay on this once-prosperous community.  Perhaps Mother Ann has rested long enough.

CHAPEL OF SILENCE

In an age where churches and chapels are being repurposed into residential condos or community centres, the Finnish decided to build a brand new chapel in the heart of hip Helsinki.  It's not entirely clear what brand of religion will be practiced here, instead, the Kampii Chapel of Silence was erected with the intention of creating a quiet space in the bustling city.  Completed in 2012 and designed by Kimmo Lintula, Niko Sirola and Mikko Summanen, the chapel is operated on a partnership basis by the Helsinki Parish Union, the Espoo and Vantaa parish unions (neighbouring cities), and the Social Services Department of the City of Helsinki.   

The chapel is ecumenical and welcomes everyone irrespective of religion, philosophy or background. The denomination is listed as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, and plans to 'hold regular moments of prayer in the future'.  This very non-specific statement alludes to the inclusive nature of the chapel where currently no church services are being held.   

In a culture where people are raised to live with less and share more public space, I think it's a beautiful thing to construct award winning architecture for the purpose of creating a place for peace, calm and a moment to reflect.  Toronto could look to this model and repurpose our churches and chapels into neutral, non-denominational sacred/spiritual spaces.  For this to happen we'd have to prioritize our socialist ideals and turn away from money-making as the primary goal for a successful city.

SAINT JEAN DE MONTMARTRE

Saint Jean de Montmartre was the first church built in Paris using innovative techniques in reinforced concrete construction.  Designed by Anatole du Baudot, building began in 1894 but was halted because of masonry regulation violations.  After lawsuits, orders for demolition and weight testing of the roof, construction was resumed in 1902 and the church was finished by 1904.  The design is influenced by Eastern motifs and Art Nouveau, but to me it looks like a Vulcan place of worship.  It also couldn't help but remind me of Rafael Alfandary, our favourite Canadian jewelry designer.

THE PAINTED PILLARS OF SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES

The Abbey of Saint Germain des Prés is one of the oldest churches in Paris with a bell tower dating from 990 AD.  Romanesque pillars, Gothic architecture, and Classical additions are made cohesive through striking patterns painted throughout.  The ceiling of gold stars is 17th century and it is unclear if the painted pillars are from this time or a 19th century addition by Hippolyte Flandrin (one of Ingre's pupils), who got the contract to created extensive frescos and stained glass designs during restoration after damage from the revolution.  Regardless, it looks like more restoration is on the way and I'm happy to have seen these pillars in their current grimy state.  They look to me like a good idea for men's leggings, circa 1590 or perhaps 2021.