Spiritual Nexus: Discovery in America's Heartland

Seeking relief from Chicago's hectic pace, William Baltz purchased a small lake house in the serene countryside of southwest Michigan. His neighbor—an artist in the process of beautifying the sanctuary of a large Catholic parish—related to him that five nearby spiritual centers proved critical to his complete recovery from a serious illness. Intrigued, William set out to learn about these places for himself. Nestled in a tranquil area of wild-flower fields, lakes and woods not far from his cottage, he discovered that these retreat centers—which form what many call a spiritual nexus—quietly attract people from around the country and all walks of life who seek self-discovery, rest and healing. In order of their founding they are: St. Gregory’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery; Apple Farm Community, established by Helen Luke and three other women inspired by the teachings of psychologist Carl Jung; the Hermitage, founded by a man whose life-long dream was to build a place in the country where people could rest, pray and enjoy nature in silence; GilChrist, a contemplative retreat that welcomes all faiths and beliefs; and the EarthSong Peace Chamber, inspired by Native-American mystic Jospeh Rael. How did these beautiful, peaceful and comfortable retreats—all within a two-mile radius of each other—come to be on the outskirts of a small Midwestern town? Who runs and stays at them, and why? What began as an investigation by a writer on the trail of another story turned into a personal journey of enlightenment. Join William Allen Baltz as he explores the Spiritual Nexus of Three Rivers, Michigan, and meet the warm, friendly and fascinating people who make it a truly special place. Watch his story on the PBS television program Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.