The Grounds
Step outside onto the land, and listen
to the wind blow through the trees.
Touch the rocks
and feel the earth.
Experience the wetlands
connecting to underground streams,
and you will connect
to our deepest roots.
The Meetinghouse land was originally purchased in 1708 from the Ramapo tribe. Now, the campus is 5.65 acres in size and is part of the Still River watershed with the waters traveling to the Housatonic River and eventually down to Long Island Sound. The landform of this area, like others, evolved over millions of years as a result of massive climatic and geological processes, creating the unique space we inhabit today. Step onto our grounds, and you can feel the connection going back to the times before. You will find in our grounds a place to explore, to dwell, and be restored.
Nature Path
Today, visitors can explore an evolving path system through the woods and wetlands. Native plantings are being installed around the Benedict House, the Martinsen Barn, and Shields Hall.
Ruby’s Little Pantry
Here at The Meetinghouse, we have one of Ruby’s Little Pantries. It is a small structure located in the parking lot that holds donated food free for those who need it. The pantry was started by Ruby as a middle schooler to address food insecurity in Ridgefield and the surrounding areas. This pantry was set up to protect the privacy of those who need food because they can drive up to the outdoor location and help themselves to what they need.
Labyrinth
To the right of the path into Shields Hall is a small labyrinth. The labyrinth is a simple design, a double spiral, in keeping with our New England roots. The design is based on an ancient geometric symbol representing the cyclicality of the natural world, a precursor of the classical Chartres Labyrinth. Labyrinths have been used across the centuries for walking meditation and provide a safe space in which to journey into the center of one’s being, the place of our deepest knowing. For believers, the labyrinth is also a place to connect with the divine. It is open to anyone who wants to take a meditative walk, while there are benches for those who prefer to sit.
Wind Phone
Next to the historic Meetinghouse, visitors will find a wind phone. This phone is dedicated in memory of Lynda Shannon Bluestein as her final gift to embrace grief as part of the fabric of life. It also affords the opportunity to safely process unfinished loss of all forms. The wind phone is an unconnected telephone booth where visitors can hold one-way conversations with deceased loved ones or share their thoughts with the wind.
