“In God’s very Son justice and peace also were joined… For he is the Warrior who opposes injustice with justice and peace – justice that is girded by divine precepts, but peace that is defended by God’s perciful grace upon humankind  – and gather to himself his elect in that likeness in which the blessed angels have endured with God.” St. Hildegard of Bingen, Book of Divine Works.

In the front of the Church, we have a peace pole with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” written in four languages – English, Spanish, German, and Arabic.  Throughout the Village of Fairport Harbor, there are additional peace poles placed at churches, business, and private homes written in additional languages. The words of the hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth”  ring forth from these poles.

This peace pole was donated to our space in 2017 by Cathy Norman, a former board member of The Hildegarden retreat center (which closed in December of 2018). She is long-time resident Fairport Harbor and one of our village librarians. Cathy is a member of the Fairport Harbor Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) here in Fairport Harbor.

Our world is stuck in a place of violence, war, hate, and division. These peace poles remind us of the important work of peace which begins with love, forgiveness, and a desire for healing. “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with ME…”