The Clearing and Richmond Friends Meeting

The Clearing is a meditative retreat center in a natural forest setting within an hour’s drive of Richmond, with facilities for individuals and groups. It is under the care of Richmond Friends Meeting (4500 Kensington Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221). The Clearing offers spiritual retreat in a secluded forest setting, away from the sounds and bustle of the city.


Junco photo by Al Warfield, 2005

Background

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has been active in Virginia since the late 17th century. Richmond Friends Meeting, begun in 1795, is Virginia’s oldest continuing Quaker Meeting. For over 200 years, Friends have met in Richmond for silent worship, seeking “that of God in every person” and to “let your life speak” of simplicity, truth, equality and peace.

In 1983 Richmond Friends accepted the generous gift of 75 acres of mostly wooded land in Amelia County about 35 miles west of Richmond. The Clearing serves as a peaceful setting for spiritual and educational programs, workshops, and retreats.

The Facility

The Clearing includes a modern lodge built in 1991, a sleeping cabin, 22 cleared campsites, an open grassy area with a roofed pavilion and hand pumped well, campfire sites, outdoor worship areas, an Adirondack shelter, outdoor privies, an all-weather gravel access road and parking.

The lodge has a meeting room which can accommodate a group of about 25, a large fully equipped kitchen and two bathrooms with showers. Well insulated and heated in winter, it provides an all-weather, accessible facility. A large deck which is partially covered can accommodate larger groups or separate activities. Octagonal tables seat 24 at the adjacent picnic area. The 22' by 22' sleeping cabin has six 2-person bunks and six cots. There are two curtained dressing areas. The cabin is well ventilated to accommodate comfortable use in hot weather. It has 20 folding chairs and can be used as a meeting area in wet weather. The lodge is fully accessible for wheel chairs.

A picnic pavilion is located a brief walk down a wooded path from the lodge. The pavilion has a smooth concrete floor to facilitate dining, dancing or socializing. There are picnic tables, electricity, lanterns Adirondack chairs and a large stone fireplace with adjacent ovens for wood-fired cooking and baking.

Natural Resources Abound

The 75 acres are mostly wooded except for the spacious grassy clearing from which the site takes its name. The site is not intensely used, so firewood is easily available. A small creek meanders through the woods. The gravel road and loop trail through the woods can accommodate bicycles. Adjacent to the Amelia Wildlife Management Area and close to Bicycle Route 1 and the Appomattox River, the Clearing has nature at its heart.

Since 1983, scores of Quaker and like-minded groups from throughout Virginia and the mid-Atlantic have benefited from this unique spiritual resource. Many since 1991 have also taken advantage of the simple conveniences provided by the new Clearing lodge. Contributions for its construction were received from many Meetings and individuals. Quakers or like-minded groups interested in using the Clearing for retreats, meetings, workshops, or other special programs are invited to contact:

Kathryn Beaton kathryn.beaton@gmail.com 804-354-5300