wisdom

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
--Thomas Jefferson (1762-1826) US President. 

The library at Emmanuel Christian Seminary.

discoveries

From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover that you have wings. 
--Helen Hayes (1900-1993) American stage and film Actress. 

Above: The Johnson City Public Library, completed in 1999.

they ask me why I teach

I don't know the history of this old building located near Roan Mountain, TN. The sign over the door reads "Bowling Chapel Methodist Church," but a local told me the building once served as a schoolhouse.  And it's for that reason, I offer the following poem.  To hear Coach John Wooden recite it, click here and fast forward 5 minutes into his talk.

They Ask me why I Teach, Glennice L. Harmon

They ask me why I teach
And I reply, "Where could I find more splendid company?"
There sits a statesman,
Strong, unbiased, wise,
Another later Webster
Silver-tongued.
And there a doctor
Whose quick, steady hand
Can mend a bone or stem the lifeblood's flow.
A builder sits beside him --
Upward rise the arches of that church he builds wherein
That minister will speak the word of God,
And lead a stumbling soul to touch the Christ.

And all about
A lesser gathering
Of farmers, merchants, teachers,
Laborers, men
Who work and vote and build
And plan and pray into a great tomorrow.
And, I say,
"I may not see the church,
Or hear the word,
Or eat the food their hands will grow.
And yet -- I may.
And later I may say,
"I knew the lad, and he was strong,
Or weak, or kind, or proud
Or bold or gay.
I knew him once,
But then he was a boy.

They ask my why I teach and I reply,
"Where could I find more splendid company?"

village variety

We need a variety of input and influence and voices. You cannot get all the answers to life and business from one person or from one source.
--Jim Rohn (1930-2009) author. 

Above: Johnson's Antiques & Things, Roan Mountain, TN

house of prayer

 

The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
--Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian and author.

Above: 'Primitive Baptist Church' (built 1887) located in Cades Cove within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  To the right is a view inside (click to enlarge).

mind and soul

Every time a student walks past a really urgent, expressive piece of architecture that belongs to his college, it can help reassure him that he does have that mind, does have that soul.
--Louis Kahn (1901-1974) architect

A twelve-foot Celtic cross sits atop the soaring steeple of Seeger Chapel on the campus of Milligan College. Dedicated in 1967, the chapel contains 31,000 square feet of space and a 1,275 seat auditorium-sanctuary. The chapel is filled with symbols which express the Christian faith. The twelve stained glass windows of the main floor symbolize the twelve disciples. The east-facing windows of the balcony contain scenes from the Old Testament. The west-facing balcony windows depict New Testament scenes. The four stairways, located in the corners of the building, have large stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ: the Nativity, His Baptism, Resurrection and Ascension. Click here to see the brochure for Seeger Chapel and to read more about this inspiring structure.

Carpe Diem

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
--Steve Jobs (b.1955) Co-founder of Apple, Inc.

I've always loved dilapidated, old barns and cabins, this one is found near the foot of Buffalo Mountain.

Click here to listen to the compelling, inspirational commencement speech by Steve Jobs given at Stanford University back in 2005.

The Tavern

The Tavern in historic Abingdon, VA , constructed in 1779, is the town's oldest building and among the oldest west of the Blue Ridge. It began as a stagecoach stop, inn, and tavern. Over the years it served a number of other uses, including post office, barber shop, bank and bakery. It even served as a hospital for wounded Confederate and Union soldiers during the Civil War. Today it continues to welcome visitors as a restaurant. Click here to visit the website.

There is nothing yet which has been contrived by man by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.
--Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English author

reviving its echoes

White's Mill, near Abingdon, VA, was built in the 1790s and continued its water-powered milling operations until 1989. With community support, it's currently undergoing renovations. Here is the web site with more information, directions and hours listed.

History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days.
--Winston Churchill

Carter Mansion

Maybe not a mansion by today's standards...but when it was built by John Carter and his son, Landon between 1775 and 1780, this was the only frame house in what would become the State of Tennessee. The house was built near the Watauga River on 640 acres bought from the Cherokee Indians. Eventually Carter County would be named in honor of Landon and the county seat of Elizabethton named in honor of Landon's wife, Elizabeth. The house today is in incredible shape with its original over-mantle paintings and detailed hand carvings and decorations throughout the home. It's open for tours during the summer months and on special occasions throughout the year. Click Here to visit the website. Pictured above is interpreter Chad Bogart posing in the snow. Below are some photos taken yesterday afternoon and evening at "Christmas at the Carter Mansion." The candlelit tour of the house featured costumed interpreters, Christmas music, crafts and refreshments. I loved the opportunity to talk with the volunteers, to hear their stories, and to take photos by candlelight!

Directions: The Carter Mansion is located on the Broad Street Extension, near the downtown area of Elizabethton, TN. Click here for a map.

Erwin Presbyterian Church

The Erwin Presbyterian Church is one of the more distinctive churches in our area. This magnificent structure was completed in 1926 and is located on Elm Street just a block from downtown Erwin, TN. Click the link above for the church schedule and map.

We cannot have a clear and complete knowledge of God unless it is accompanied by a corresponding knowledge of ourselves.
--John Calvin (1509-1564) Protestant Reformer

Pal's Sudden Service

Why they don't have Pal's Sudden Service restaurants all over the country, I don't know. Here's yet another reason to love northeast Tennessee. If you've ever visited this area, you've probably seen the distinctive blue-box buildings with huge fiberglass hamburgers and hot dogs on top (click the link above to visit their cool website). There are a total of 21 Pal's in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virgina. Above is a photo of the very first Pal's which opened in 1956 in Kingsport, TN. It's still open today, but unlike their other restaurants which are only drive thrus, the original requires that you go in to get your "Big Pal," "Frenchie Fry" and "Peachie Tea - Light Ice."

About the photo...I took it yesterday, but thought it was a little boring (or maybe I was just bored) so I doctored it up in photoshop to try to make it look more like an old postcard.

Directions: If you want to visit the first Pal's, you'll find it at 327 Revere Street in downtown Kingsport, TN. Click here for a map. While you're downtown, check out the interesting stores and sculptures on Broad Street and the historic Church Circle.

Update...(8/24/08) I've recently discovered the perfect excuse to make a special trip to visit the 'original' Pals in Kingsport -- it's the only Pals location where you can order a peanut butter milkshake, made with loads of real peanut butter while you wait. Mmmmmmm.

Update...(8/15/09) Check out Earl Carter's photo of another Pal's landmark in Kingsport, TN.

Palatial Home

After six years of construction, the Biltmore House opened to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. At that time, George Vanderbilt was only 33 -- and single (he married in 1898). His "country retreat" contains 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, 3 kitchens, an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley -- all (originally) situated on a 125,000 acre parcel of land in Asheville, NC (today it's 8,000 acres). It's really an unbelievable place -- and something I definitely recommend visiting. Depending on when you go, the ticket price can be high, but you can easily spend an entire day touring the house, the gardens, the winery and the trails. An annual pass makes sense if you live in the area. There are often special offers online and ticket prices are always cheaper if ordered online in advance. Click here to visit their website.

About the photos...I always like the effect a wide angle lens has on architecture. It not only can squeeze more real estate into the frame, it also distorts the perspective in interesting ways -- making walls lean dramatically into the center -- and exaggerating the size of objects closest to the camera.

Wait in hope.

Today is Holy Saturday, the final day of Lent, on which the body of Jesus lay in a borrowed tomb. The Apostle's Creed says that He descended into hell. For the disciples, Holy Saturday was a day of deep mourning and tremendous uncertainty. In faith today we gather outside the tomb where Jesus' body lay to pray, to reflect and to wait in hope.

The photos are of the First Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. This is the most unique Baptist church I've ever seen -- and one of the most easily recognized places of worship in our region. Completed in 1927, this church is considered one of Asheville's greatest architectural treasures, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is actually the fifth house of worship for this congregation which was originally organized all the way back in 1829. Click the link above for directions and the worship schedule.

Sinking Creek Baptist Church

Last week I posted a photo of the first Methodist church established in Tennessee. Not wanting to be accused of playing favorites, here is the first church of any denomination in Tennessee, Sinking Creek Baptist Church. Located between present-day Johnson City and Elizabethton, TN, the church was organized in 1772, with the log structure you see above being built in 1783. Services are still occasionally held in this very old sanctuary on occasion in the summer months.

Directions: Click here for map.

Acuff Chapel

Acuff Chapel was the first Methodist meetinghouse west of the Appalachians and the first in Tennessee. Built in 1786 on land donated by Timothy and Anna Leigh Acuff in what is today Sullivan County, this chruch also served as a school for 75 years. The successor church, Adams Chapel, is still an active United Methodist congregation. The church above was eventually sold and moved -- used as a private house. In 1962 the Holston Conference purchased the building, moved it back to its original location and restored it. In the cemetery are the graves of the Acuffs and many other early settlers to the area. Additional photos here and here.

Directions: From Interstate 81, take exit 69 (Highway 394), drive south 1 mile to the intersection with Highway 126 in Blountville, TN. Turn right (west) on Route 126 and travel 2.2 miles. Look for the historical marker and the church on the right.

The Grove Park Inn

My first visit to the Grove Park Inn was with my parents twelve years ago -- we were tourists from Illinois lost in the hills surrounding Asheville, NC on a snowy day and came across this magnificent landmark. I have returned dozens of times in the years since. "Built for the ages" the resort opened in 1913 and has hosted eight US presidents and numerous dignitaries (I love looking at the photos that line the hallways of famous visitors over the past 94 years). I've never stayed there but I often take friends and family there after a day of touring Asheville to relax around its mammoth stone fireplaces or take in a sunset and the city views from its back porch (see yesterday's post). Click here and here for more history. Click here for directions.

Martha Washington Inn

Built in 1832 as a private residence, this elegant building, located in Abingdon, Virginia, has seen much history and many uses. "The Martha" has been home to a finishing school for young ladies, a hospital for wounded Civil War soldiers, a woman's college, and finally it was turned into the stately hotel it is today. Through all the changes, the history, the architectural detail, the antique furnishings and its charm have all been well-preserved. If you look closely, you'll see the horse drawn carriage to the left in the photo. Click here for more history and hotel information.

Barter Theatre

Since its founding in 1933, Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA has entertained and enriched Appalachia. The theatre building you see above was built in 1831 as a Presbyterian Church. Later, it was used as a town hall, a fire station, and as a jail. But for the last 75 years, the building has been home to the premier theatre of our region. The name comes from its origin during the Great Depression when theatre patrons could barter their way in by bringing 40 cents worth of produce. Even today, the Barter holds true to this heritage by offering one performance a year in return for donations to an area food bank. Click the link above to read about their current and upcoming shows, performance schedules and to find directions.

Enclosing its own secrets

A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other. A solemn consideration, when I enter a great city by night, that every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret; that every room in every one of them encloses its own secret; that in every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of breasts there is, in some of its imaginings, a secret to the heart nearest to it!-–Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English novelist

I usually go for much shorter quotes, but I wanted to share this quote because it's stuck with me for a long time now. And oddly enough, it's what came to mind when I first saw this lonely old, dilapidated farmhouse -- if only these walls could talk! Anytime I fly into Chicago, or any city for that matter, I look out and think about this quote from Dickens. And I usually find myself saying a prayer for the families in all the little houses far below -- each enclosing its own secrets, each heart with its own joys and pains, hopes and fears. And I look around the plane and realize that the same is true of every other passenger I see. There's something about this quote that brings out tenderness....