It was a joy to me to visit the actual Elm Grove Sanctuary, for the very first time recently. I had first read the Elm Grove Story when it came out a number of years ago. Before long David Oliphant, my husband, and I joined in monthly group sharing of a meal, fellowship and meditation with Edwin and Laurel. These took place on the far South Coast of NSW with people interested in reflecting on their story too. I served on the NEST committee with its work in the Narooma High School and yet in all these years I had never myself been to the actual Elm Grove Sanctuary that was also named a ‘Centre of Hope’.
Excitement has been in the air since Peter and Sarah Swan, the latest stewards of the Elm Grove property, are now lovingly renewing the place with their children, Charlie and Ella. The Swans are orienting toward their own purpose and calling which seems quite similar to the way Laurel and Ed were guided there in the 1980’s. David and I are delighted now to have met Sarah and Pete personally with their friends and extended family. There’s nothing like face to face!
Everyone warmly welcomed us. I picked up a real sense of ease. God’s goodness and Presence, bigger than ourselves, is undoubtedly here. This was the occasion of Sarah and Pete’s Induction as Little Followers of Saint Francis in the lovingly hand built, stone Chapel, nestled below the original house on the hill. It is currently being bestowed with TLC.
Making our way to Elm Grove from Tumut, NSW, was breathtaking. David and I drove through the picturesque green valley with its National park all around the Goobarragandra River flowing through. The Elm Grove Sanctuary site sits on sacred ground to the Walgalu people who have cared for this country for thousands of years.
We stayed in the mud brick octagonal house, Bahloo meaning ‘moon’, (the Aboriginal name for the River running into the Goobarragandra River at Elm Grove. Both of these rivers later become the great Murrumbidgee). Bahloo was lovingly built and designed by Edwin, Laurel and friends. Its shape invites a central circle of equal sharing within.
The first Friday evening fed my soul with deeply beautiful, expressive musicians playing in the room, both young and old. Laurel had amazingly cooked the delicious food and brought it there.
The children decorated cup cakes for tomorrow.
Breakfast time on Saturday. We were able to connect with Peter and Krista Sands in Hobart by phone. They were following the whole weekend keenly, and were with us very much in spirit. Below is a photo of Peter’s special tree standing out beautifully from our breakfast window. There’s a story there!
How magical then to climb the hill to where the Chapel sits under the original home where Ed and Laurel, Michael and Rita lived and worked together. Michael fondly gave us a special tour.
From this vantage point we could breathe the fresh, clean air, and see the curves like two bosoms funnelling the Bahloo River into the Goobarragandra River, a most significant junction of the waters. This place is of great importance to the Aboriginal people, especially the women.
Many connections were made at the scrumptious morning tea outdoors which followed the Chapel service. Further meaningful encounters took place throughout the day. I very much enjoyed meeting Therese, Pete’s mother. We both value Pastoral Care.
All photos above by Angela Young.
Later a group of us walked down to the natural chapel in amongst the Elm Grove trees right next to the River. This is the very place where Michael and the late Rita Reid were married all those years ago.
The Goobarragandra River feels alive. Its musical flow spoke the language to me of health, healing and refreshment.
There we sat on logs to ponder in the gentle sunshine, to reminisce and share also with Blair and Rhonda Montague-Drake who were delighted to return to this special place for this meaningful celebration. We were so delighted to meet them and gain a further sense of the journey of Elm Grove since Laurel and Edwin had to leave it to downsize, those many years ago.
Photos by Michael Reid.
David and I made our way to Canberra early on Sunday morning to visit a sick relative. Our friends at Elm Grove promised to pray. I felt nurtured and ministered to both by their friendship and by the comfort of being in that beautiful cradle of nature itself. A renewed sense of purpose, love, care and community connection is gently and steadily growing there, in the Spirit.
I want to express my deep gratitude for the love, the joy and peacefulness; for the patience, kindness and goodness, faithfulness and discipline that is blossoming here.
God bless Elm Grove.