Peace Pole Erected at Manotick United Church
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, and other conflicts continue around the word, Manotick United Church has made a public declaration in support of peace through the first Peace Pole to be erected in the village.
The pole, which stands near the entrance to the church parking lot on Rideau Valley Drive (Manotick Main Street), calls for peace in four languages. It is one of some 250,000 that can be found in nearly every country on earth.
The Peace Pole movement originated in Japan more than 50 years ago in an effort to visually remind people of the need to keep peace in their minds and hearts. It has since been taken up by communities, churches, service organizations and individuals all over the world. In addition to the multi-lingual inscriptions, the Manotick pole includes colourful paintings done by children and adults at Manotick United Church, as well as some members from the Manotick Art Association.
“It was wonderful to engage so many people in this process,” says Reverend Paul Whynacht. “It gave everyone who worked on it the opportunity to think about the profound need for peace in our world. We encourage everyone to stop by for a moment of reflection.”
The inscription plates were a gift from interim minister, Bev Buckingham, who served at the church in 2021 and 2022, and the paint used to decorate the pole was generously donated by Manotick Home Hardware.
John Julian
