“I am convinced that pilgrimage is still a bona fide spirit-renewing ritual. But I also believe in pilgrimage as a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveler.” -Phil Cousineau
You are invited on a journey of discovery aboard an Underground Railroad pilgrimage - a journey exploring sites and history of the Underground Railroad in SW Iowa and a journey within ourselves.
In the mid-1800s Iowa, a free state, experienced ramifications from systemic slavery practiced in the southern states, including Missouri. Enslaved people attempted to make their way to freedom, many using routes through SW Iowa leading to more northern cities and even Canada. Networks of people dedicated to helping the freedom seekers formed and many of these networks came to be called the “underground railroad”. Due to the nature of this activity not much information was recorded. We know of the Underground Railroad through the stories that have survived.
This pilgrimage will explore the circumstances and issues associated with the Underground Railroad and visit two actual sites on the network to freedom. Understanding the stories contributes to a clearer picture of the practice of enslavement and how it is tied into all the ways racism is expressed today. While not an easy topic, one begins to appreciate the courage and commitment of the freedom seekers and abolitionists in Iowa’s early history.
We will enjoy deepening conversations as we open ourselves to the Spirit on this pilgrimage.
GENERAL SCHEDULE
Mon. June 5, 2023
7:00pm Zoom Orientation
Fri. June 9, 2023
8:30 gather at St. John’s, Glenwood
Introductions and worship
Travel to Tabor, Todd House; Percival and Blanchard Cemetery
Overnight at Shenandoah Inn and Suites
Sat. June 10, 2023
Worship and conversation
Travel to Lewis, Hitchcock House
Lunch at park and depart for home
COSTS
Pilgrimage fee = $40 Covers 1 lunch, snacks, materials, honorariums
Hotel room = around $100 plus taxes (breakfast included)
2 meals
10 SPOTS AVAILABLE
For information and to register/pay, contact any of the following:
Ellen Bruckner : ebruckner7@gmail.com
Karen McCallan: mccallanp@juno.com
Holly Scherff: scherffh@gmail.com
Sponsored by Beloved Community Initiative
* ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED -- If you’re interested in a future pilgrimage, please reach out to us. *