A Serene and Spiritual Sanctuary in Conyers, Georgia

Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GeorgiaImage by Author

It's hard to find a truly peaceful place in a metropolitan city like Atlanta. Even as far out as Conyers, Georgia, malls, strip centers, and car dealerships vie for your attention as the nearby interstate drones on. But just a few miles down the road, you can find the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. And the best news is that all are welcome.

In 1944, 21 Trappist monks left Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky and set out on a sojourn no different than those from back in the days of early Christianity. The trip led them to the wilderness of rural Georgia where they founded the Monastery of the Holy Spirit

I visited the monastery when I was in grade school and still remember my encounter with the kindly monks. Returning there has been on my mind for years, so finally, on a cold winter's day, I decided to pay them another visit. Having been a photographer for many years, I looked forward to photographing the monastery. After a quick email to one of the monks, I learned this was not only allowed but, with a few exceptions, encouraged.

It was a frigid winter day as I parked my, grabbed our gear, and hustled through a side door of the central Abbey Church. I climbed an old tile staircase up one flight that could have been in any older industrial building. As I passed through a door into the balcony at the rear of the church, I was met with this view.

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I quickly figured out that the purple version my camera saw was due to the sunlight filtering through the massive blue, pink and purple stained glass windows. I thought they were in plaster walls, but I learned from one of the monks, that they are cement, made and formed by hand eighty years ago.

Monastery of the Holy SpiritImage by Author

As a photographer, I could have spent the rest of the shooting details in the church, but the monastery is a huge place and well worth wandering around. Out back is an old cemetery, dating back to the first winter the monks arrived here.

Monastery of the Holy SpiritImage by Author

To the side of the chapel is a lovely courtyard where the monks will hold outdoor prayer sessions. The residences surround the others sides - a location I was not allowed in.

Monastery of the Holy SpiritImage by Author

But I was free to roam around the rest of the grounds. With few exceptions, the monks farm, grow and make all of their food and necessities. They raise all manner of livestock and huge gardens are planted throughout the grounds. Eventually, I was drawn by the smell of their bakery, which is next to a store where you can buy all sorts of art and crafts.

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But, just like anyplace, despite all the wondrous sights and smells, it's the people that really make the place. And the 28 monks spanning several generations, who live, work, and pray together, are no different. Except during the seven daily prayer sessions, you are free to stop and chat with any of the bothers.

Monastery of the Holy SpiritImage by Author

There may be a vow of silence when they first enter the order, but luckily, none of the monks I encountered had that restriction. They were all friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the place, their order, or most any other subject.

To get there, take Parker Road, south out of Conyers for six miles until you reach Hwy 138. Turn right on 138 and head southwest for about 4 miles until you get to GA-212 and take a left. Continue down Hwy 212 for about 3 miles and the monastery will be on your left. Check-in at the Heritage center, the store, or the church for information.

If you are coming from Atlanta, take 20 past 285 and exit at Wesley Chapel. Take a right and then a quick left onto Snapfinger Road. Follow that for about three miles and you can turn left onto Ga 212 and follow the same directions.

If you are in Conyers, Georgia, and crave some peace and quiet, head down to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Tell the brothers, I said hello.

Monastery of the Holy SpiritImage by Author

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