Cathedral of the Pines facts for kids
Cathedral of the Pines is a special outdoor place in Rindge, New Hampshire. It was built to remember American soldiers who died in wars. It has different areas for prayer and quiet reflection. People of all faiths are welcome here. The Cathedral has amazing views of forests and Mount Monadnock. It is run by a group that doesn't make a profit.
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What is the History of Cathedral of the Pines?
How it All Started
In 1937, Douglas Sloane III and his wife Sibyl bought a large piece of land. It was about 128 acres in Rindge. They wanted their four children to build homes there one day.
The next year, a big hurricane hit the area in 1938. It badly damaged a five-acre spot chosen for their second son, Sanderson. This spot was on a small hill. When the family saw the damage, they noticed something amazing. The fallen trees had opened up a spectacular view. You could see across the forests towards Mount Monadnock. This beautiful view is still there today.
A Special Memorial is Created
Sanderson, who was called Sandy, joined the United States Army Air Forces. Sadly, he was killed in action in 1944. He left behind his wife and a new baby.
In August 1945, the Sloane family held a memorial service. They used the clearing where Sandy's home would have been. Many people from the community came to this service.
After this, the Sloanes decided to create the Cathedral of the Pines. It became a memorial for all those who died serving their country. It also became a place for peace and understanding. They welcomed people of all beliefs. They built outdoor chapels, cemeteries, and other monuments. The area now covers 236 acres.
Today, Cathedral of the Pines is a nonprofit group. It gets support from donations and groups like veterans organizations.
What Can You See at Cathedral of the Pines?
Most of the structures here are made of stone, especially granite. There are also some wooden benches. Many bronze plaques are set into the stone. These remember individual soldiers who died. They also thank groups that helped support the Cathedral.
Main Areas to Explore
Near the entrance, you will find the Mother's Chapel. There is also the Women's Memorial Bell Tower. A short walk leads to the main sanctuary. This area includes the Altar of the Nations. This special altar has stones from every U.S. state. It also has stones from several battlefields.
The Altar of the Nations has the best view of Mount Monadnock. It has been named a national memorial for American war dead. The seats, reading stand, speaker's stand, and holy water basin are all made of stone.
Paths and Other Features
A winding path takes you to different cemetery plots. There are more outdoor chapels, including a simple "Zen chapel." You can also find a garden and tall standing stones. These stones have carvings from the Bible and other spiritual books. Some of the carvings are in Hebrew.
Several longer trails go through the woods. They lead to nearby Grassy Pond and Emerson Pond.
The Peter J. Booras Museum is also on site. It holds items related to military service. The museum was updated and reopened in May 2017.
How is Cathedral of the Pines Used Today?
Cathedral of the Pines is a popular place for weddings. People also come here to renew their marriage promises. It offers memorial services and burials. You can also get personalized memorial benches, plaques, or carved granite walls.
The people who run the Cathedral today describe the Sloanes' original idea as a "cathedral without borders." This means it welcomes everyone. They say they have hosted events for 75 different faiths.
You can usually visit the grounds for free between May and October. Private events, tours, and picnics can also be arranged.
