KennedysOnline

The beautiful 1845 Belmead* mansion, site of St. Emma’s military academy for boys of African descent from 1895 – 1972.

*Formerly a plantation owned by Philip St. George Cocke, son of General John Hartwell Cocke of Bremo, Belmead was purchased by Colonel and Mrs. Edward de Vaux Morrell of Philadelphia to establish a school for African American youth. Emphasizing practical skills, Colonel Morrell’s approach to education was similar to that of Booker T. Washington. The St. Emma’s Industrial and Agricultural School opened in 1895 and admitted only boys of African decent from the South. The first graduate, John Paul Scott, received his diploma in 1899. In its seventy-seven years, the school re-established itself as the St. Emma Military School and graduated 10,000 men. Due to school desegregation, interest in school lessened and the academy closed in 1972. The campus was demolished except the Belmead mansion.

As you may have heard through the grapevine (Dan’s Facebook), I’m working on a book project about women, how we nourish our souls, how to stay whole and healthy during even the most intense years of life with young children.  Ironically, since I live in the midst of those years, finding time and space to work on the book can prove incredibly challenging.  BUT, I am convinced that to stay emotionally healthy, I can order my life in ways that allow a few minutes each day, and a few hours each week for soul care.  I usually head to a favorite local park, but of late have begun to explore other nourishing haunts.  A friend recommended the grounds of Belmead a few months back; yesterday was my first visit.  Oh, the wonder of such a place of quiet rest.

For four hours, I did not see or hear another human being.  It was quiet enough to hear moles burrowing, spiders scurrying and the gentle current of the James River.

Even the old manse itself spoke of contemplation, with multi colored glass windows overlooking the lawn, the rooms within places of prayer and contemplation for over 150 years.

My book project may take years to complete, but the joy of lying quietly in a meadow, waiting for the Muse, or waiting for nothing at all – only being still in the presence of God and His natural chorus of trees, deer, river – is reward enough.