A place for walking and reflecting

Naturally Wonderful, by Rich Haag – March 20, 2012

Continuing on the theme I started last week, I am exploring special places to walk in and near the Catawba River District. This week takes me to a place of quiet reflection for more than a century, Belmont Abbey College.

The college campus covers about 700 acres just north of I-85. The central campus and monastery, including the main church and several college buildings, are on the National Register of Historic Places. The two spires of the Abbey Basilica tower above the wooded campus and provide both useful landmarks and a gentle reminder that this is a place of contemplation and study on eternal as well as worldly matters.

Most private colleges in the Carolinas began as outreaches of church denominations, but those ties have slowly loosened. Not at Belmont Abbey College. The monastery’s monks worship daily with students and parishioners in the Basilica. The monks also teach at the college and live on the grounds.

But this is also a college. Monday’s near-summer temperatures brought classes outside to the patio beside St. Leo’s Hall. A young woman sunbathed and studied nearby on the lawn near the Basilica. Over at the athletic fields, the crack-crack-crack of baseball bats echoed across the sports field as the BAC Crusaders men’s baseball team prepared for next Sunday’s home doubleheader against Pfeiffer University. 

There’s even a new building going up – a 12,000-square-foot dining hall. When it opens next fall, the old dining hall next door will be converted into a student union.

Spring is a great time to walk the grounds. Flowering trees are in full bloom this week. The gardens have begun to blossom, too, and the big old oaks lining the sidewalks will soon provide welcome shade against the mid-day sun. 

Visitors are welcome to walk here throughout the day, although students and faculty will appreciate it if you park away from the often crowded parking lots at the main entrance.

You also can stroll the campus before or after upcoming events such as the April 29 student concert, “Salute To Spring” (3 p.m. in the Basilica; free) and the two-weekend run of the student play, “Black Comedy” (8 p.m. April 19-21 and 26-29 in Haid Theatre; $10).

You’ll spot many benches along the edge of wooded areas where you can people and bird watch, soul-search or just rest your feet.  

Grotto of Maria Lourdes

One special place for outdoor reflection is the Grotto of Maria Lourdes, near the monastery. The monks built the grotto in 1891 in thanks to the Virgin Mary after one of the young monks, near death from typhoid fever, miraculously recovered. The Grotto is among several buildings that have gained national historic recognition. 

Another popular place to escape is the Brother Paul Trail, found on the gravel road on the far side of the athletic fields. The nature trail is popular with both student athletes taking a run and people from beyond the campus taking a stroll.

Need a break or a beverage? You can find both at Holy Grounds, the campus restaurant and coffee shop. It’s located beside Haid Hall. 

Want to walk?

Belmont Abbey College is at 100 Belmont Mount Holly Road, near I-85. 

CLICK to learn more about the college and Abbey

• WORSHIP The public is invited to daily worship services at the Abbey Church.
• EVENTS Learn more about upcoming concerts, plays and sporting event.
• HISTORIC DISTRICT Learn more about the college’s historic buildings.

About Rich Haag -  Rich gained his love for the outdoors while roaming the woods and river gorge near his upstate NY home. He has spent many vacations – one lasting eight weeks -  camping with his wife, Karen, and their sons. Rich still roams the woods nearly every day, either walking with Karen at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve or cycling on the Mallard Creek Greenway.