2023 Life Logs, Day 143: Church of the Transfiguration Field Trip
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Weather: Sunny; High 60, Low 42 degrees F
Location: At Home in the Cottage, East Falmouth, MA
I consider myself to be a spiritual person, not a religious one. But I certainly admire true dedication to doing good in this world, and I enjoy beautiful art and architecture. 
That made today’s Newcomers/Encore field trip to the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans on the Outer Cape
a very positive experience for me. The Sister that served as our guide
conveyed a feeling of love and admiration for the art and architecture that was absolutely contagious. You walk on art and are surrounded by art. The floor of the sanctuary is mosaic after mosaic.
I especially enjoyed the one showing Jonah’s legs sticking out of the whale’s mouth.
The Sister explained that the name, Church of the Transfiguration, reflects the hopeful message “that in Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for our lives to be transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ.” She explained that it is a Christian church, a nunnery and a monastery of both Protestants and Catholics, as well as a modern day art and architectural delight. There are mosaics and frescos, sculpted bronze, stone, wood, and glass. “Drawing on scripture, church tradition, and the local setting of Cape Cod” the Church of the Transfiguration attempts to “visually proclaim that all earthly life has heavenly meaning …” I could go on and on, but better than that would be to encourage you to visit this very special place here on the shores of Cape Cod.
I left the field trip early to head back to Falmouth so that I could drive Sam to his rowing practice in Harwich. Because of my early departure, I missed hearing the organ being played. At some point, I will return to attend an organ concert and just enjoy sitting in such a beautiful space.
