Beautiful old church with a touch more historical relevance than one might think…read more First things first. This is a beautiful old church, not terribly large or overly ornate, but it's really pretty just from a visual standpoint. To say it's "picturesque" would be an astute characterization. It was built between 1805-1806 in the Federalist style and is apparently one of only a select number of similarly-styled church buildings to survive to this day from the area- at least, that's what I was told by a church member during a tour of the building while visiting friends who live in Massachusetts. The building, which originally served as a meetinghouse for the village, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1980's. While the congregation apparently dates back to 1769, the current church building wasn't erected until 1805-1806, replacing the old village meetinghouse, which was built by the early 1770's. To this day, the church hosts regular worship services for the community, as well as funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc. The site even plays host to the annual Lenox Craft Fair every summer. Apparently, the craft fair is a pretty big town event nowadays and people come from all over to attend. My friends that live nearby even pick up Christmas gifts a few months ahead of the holidays that they find at this shindig. I think the building, although not a typically ornate, large chapel, is lovely. I especially liked how well-preserved and maintained the building is, particularly the beautiful Palladian window- a hallmark of the building's architectural style- that sits above the church doors. As for historical significance, the town's first cemetery, located behind the church, marks the graves of several prominent Revolutionary War figures, including Major Azariah Egleston. I was also told by a church historian during a tour here that the original building, a meetinghouse later torn down to make way for the current chapel, served as a "safe house" for several key meetings during the Revolutionary War. I don't know if all that is 100% true, but that's what I was told and the local historian seemed to know their stuff. If you're in the area and want to visit the church/cemetery, the site seems pretty open to guests and tourists and other curiosity seekers. Otherwise, it's an interesting location to take a few photos and learn a bit more about local history.

The Church on the Hill was the dream location for my wedding ceremony. It is absolutely stunning…read more If you are considering having your wedding here and are still on the fence, go see it in person and you'll be convinced. The inside of the church is absolutely breathtaking. The second my husband and I walked in we knew we had to get married there. Amy was a superstar to work with! I was emailing her constantly for six months and she answered all my questions fully and promptly. We had a few special requests and she was able to accommodate us - for example, we asked if we could bring snack bags in the entry/lobby of the church for guests that arrived early. This was not a problem and we were able to use tables from the church to set up treats, coffee, and water. Because it was the second weekend in December, the church was already decorated for Christmas. Initially I was worried because I had not envisioned a Christmas themed wedding, however Amy was able to send me pictures of the decorations ahead of time and the church was beautiful. I loved the way it looked on our wedding day - it was absolutely gorgeous and festive and warm. One other general note: my husband and I really wanted to get married in a historic or pretty church because the majority of our guests were from out of town and we wanted to make a good impression. It was also really important to me that the church have a center aisle so that when the doors opened I could see down the aisle to where my husband was standing at the altar. This was the ONLY church in either the Berkshires or the Hudson Valley that had a center aisle and allowed us to use our own minister. It was perfect and I loved getting married there so much I want to renew my vows there....tomorrow.

"GOD loves us, ALL of us. Peaceful, blessed and wonderful place for spiritual healing and…read moregratefulness to the Almighty. Staff are very polite , friendly and very helpful. Amazing shrine with marvelous religious relics located in huge land with a lot of trees around the shrine. So relaxing and fresh air every where in properly maintained land. Gift shop and cafe inside the complex with ample parking spaces. Really a day worth to visit, relax and feel the love of God.

Beautiful property. Great place to meditate. Historical building. I had a great experience here…read moretoday!

This is a very pretty little church. The stained glass windows are beautiful. The pastor, Father…read moreBrian, does a great job. The location is right in downtown Lee, MA. It's a classic New England church.

This Buddhist center is a wonderful place of learning, meditation and community. Unlike stated in…read morean earlier review it is not Zen. The center is Tendai, a Japanese Buddhist school that Zen developed from. Everybody is made welcome at the center. The sangha (community) has been a source of comfort and support to me in times of loss.​​

This is a really beautiful Zen center, with a very lovely evening meditation service (usually…read moreWednesday evenings) followed by a potluck dinner. They have special events, too. It is very low-key and welcoming, and the meditations are held in a beautiful converted old barn. Very nice atmosphere and beautiful Japanese-style ritual.

As its name suggests, the Abode is a home for all people. It is the beating heart with wings…read morethrough which a human being can become aware of how much they are connected to all things. The natural beauty of the land it sits upon can alone bring one to the entrance of Infinity. Yet the one thing that makes this place so special, so separate, and such an incredible light are the people that you will meet there. Whether you wander up on a sleepy Wednesday morning and just say hello to some of the resident workers or you go for an event such as the Dances for Universal Peace, you will meet people, true of heart, who have come for one simple thing; to reconnect with their soul, with all of nature, with existence itself. This place is worth saving, this place is worth everything.

I loved this place, and spent 5 weeks there in 2016 as a "khadim," or spiritual intern.read more

This is a charming little postage stamp sized chapel, that just happens to have stained glass…read morewindows done by Louis Tiffany. It's a bit out of town, situated in the open country on a field. The service is warm and welcoming, with a priestess on loan from the Lutheran Church doing the honors.

Sunday Eucharist service at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Sunday school and study groups. Church has a…read morethrift shop, The Treasure shop, open Friday and Saturday all year from 10:00am to 1:00m (except holidays.)

Ample parking, well-kept and well-marked trails with lovely views. The walking trails are open to…read morethe public, although some are restricted to residents only.

This is such a beautiful tranquil place to be. I had a wonderful experience at the four days…read moreretreat led by my teacher Andrew Tanner. I met all the ministers and ppl who devoted their lives there as to serve others, learn and study Korean Taoism and WON Buddhism. I love everyone I have encountered and not to mentioned their yummy nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I love the mindful eating virtue every morning. It was silent breakfast. We greeted each other with a nod, a bow and a smile. The minsters and staffs are welcoming and friendly! Everything is mindfulness practice. From closing the door gently to peeling the egg. I observed and I learned from them. I have always loved the Korean or Asian culture and foods! After the retreat l, I got inspired to recreate the vegetarian dishes at home. I kept reminding myself to get in touch with nature more and the simplicity of life. I would love to study more of the Buddhism, meditation and more with the ministers and my teacher! Definitely it's a see you later, until next retreat! An nyeonghi gyseyo!!! Daehanhee gamsahamnida! (Thank you very much) peace peace peace