Special to the Aroostook Republican
LIMESTONE, Maine — Over 100 people of the Limestone United Methodist Church congregation attended the recent worship service and dedication of the newly “planted” Peace Pole, located on the church’s front lawn at 52 Maine Street. The Peace Pole project, launched with a dedication to uplift humankind toward harmony rather than conflict, was started in Japan by the World Peace Prayer Society, a non-profit, non-denominational organization founded in 1955.
Peace Poles are handcrafted monuments erected the world over as an international symbol of peace. Their purpose is to spread the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” and act as a constant reminder to visualize and pray for world peace as well as a reminder to keep peace ever present in thoughts.
Currently, there are more than 200,000 Peace Poles around the world, located at simple places like churches and gardens as well as extraordinary places like the Pyramids of El Giza, Egypt and the Magnetic North Pole. They are promoting healing of conflict in places like Sarajevo and the Allenby Bridge between Israel and Jordan.
In Limestone, youth group members of the United Methodist Church raised money to purchase the pole last spring. Member of the church’s board of Trustees gave their approval for the pole to be placed on the front lawn of the church, a prominent spot for passers-by.
Members of the board erected the pole just prior to the dedication service held on Sept. 27; members of the Loring Job Corps masonry class constructed two benches to be placed near the pole in an effort to invite those passing by to stop and reflect on the pole’s message.
The dedication prayer was given by the Northern Maine District Superintendent for United Methodist Churches, the Rev. Dr. Pat MacHugh from Bangor.
As typical of the Peace Poles erected around the world, the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is written in languages depicting heritages of a local area. The Peace Pole in Limestone has the phrase written in English, French, Spanish and Swedish.
Interested individuals may contact the Limestone United Methodist Church office at 325-4870 for more information.
