Although its actual anniversary falls on Thanksgiving Day, on Nov. 1-3, The Grail will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a number of events both for members and contributors, as well as the general public.
The Grail began as an international organization of women committed to spiritual search, social action, environmental sustainability, and the release of women’s creative energies throughout the world. It was founded in the Netherlands in 1920 and has since expanded to 17 other countries.
“The Grail started as a Catholic organization and eventually opened up to include people of other faiths,” said Sharon Thomson, the Grail’s communications manager. “By the 1960s there were Protestant and Jewish people, then eventually those who had no particular faith, but defined themselves as people in search.”
When the Grail was established in Cornwall-on-Hudson in 1963, the 45-acre property was donated by Chauncey Stillman. Three houses stood on the property when the Grail arrived, including the large Victorian house now known as the Phoenix (named after a fire demolished the third floor in 1979), the small cottage, and a 19th century farmhouse.
Wondering what to do with the gift, the Grail’s members began offering the facilities to church and school groups from New York City, as well as people who worked with the city’s poor.
“Those groups would come up here to use the house and the grounds on weekends, and for summer camps,” Thomson said. “The Grail would also do its own programs related to spiritual or social issues, and by the 1970s and 80s, environmental concerns.”
Countless hundreds of people have come to use the facilities either for shorter or longer periods of time. Although established as a women’s organization, men have also been invited to use the facilities. Sometimes the grounds have been used for family reunions as well as weddings. Usage of the facilities for room and board, or the grounds for a gathering, requires a rental fee. Simonetta Romano, the retreat center manager, arranges all the inquiries and reservations for booking.
The Grail also hosts a number of its own programs.
Meet the Makers provides an opportunity to meet with local artists who present and discuss their work. The Grail has an organic garden which volunteers are invited to plant and harvest. Conversations from a Global Perspective deals with issues that affect the United States or other countries around the world. Sometimes guests from other countries are invited to speak. The Grail Circle of Friends aims to create relationships within the community. This group meets once a month to discuss a particular theme and includes a potluck dinner. The Grail holds a number of art exhibitions throughout the year, as well as hosts the annual Holiday Gift and Art Sale in December. Celebrations of the solstice and equinox include a walk through the community-built labyrinth and a potluck dinner.
The Grail’s anniversary may fall on Thanksgiving Day, but the beginning-of-the-month celebration also holds significant meaning in the organization’s history. Thomson explained Nov. 1 is traditionally the day the international Grail celebrates its birthday.
The celebration will open with a Grail memory circle to share memories of past members. During the All Saints prayer ceremony, Terry Murray’s sculpture titled “She is…” will be dedicated. Murray created the wooden sculpture for the anniversary and it will be housed in a grotto off the path leading to the labyrinth.
On the morning of Nov. 2, there will be an all souls prayer in which members will visit the memorials of former Grail members. The public is invited to the open house, to be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Guided house tours are scheduled for 2:15 and 4:15 p.m. The afternoon will also include an art exhibit, and performances of music, stories, and poems.
On Sunday morning, during a celebratory brunch, members will share music, stories, and poems. A Mindfulness Hike on the Grail Trail will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. in collaboration with the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Those interested in participating may contact the museum at 845-534-5506. The three-day anniversary celebration will conclude with a closing ritual to ask for blessings for the future.
Upcoming Grail programs include the Holiday Art and Gift show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7. On Dec. 8, in collaboration with Studio 208, Lynn Peebles will lead a program called “Don’t Stress. De-stress,” focusing on how to remain centered during the holiday season.
