Category: Dismal Swamp Maroons

The Protective Hand of God in the Great Dismal Swamp: Marooned in Abraham’s Bosom

October 21, 2026

I’m amazed at how long the Maroon community of the Great Dismal Swamp lasted. This huge wetland was more than just a stop on the Underground Railroad to the free northern states and Canada. Indeed, this watery colony within North Carolina & Virginia existed well before the antebellum abolitionist. It can be said the Maroons … More The Protective Hand of God in the Great Dismal Swamp: Marooned in Abraham’s Bosom

A Place Apart

October 14, 2026

Before I learned anything about the Desert Fathers or the Great Dismal Swamp Maroons, I loved to retreat to my place apart from everything and everyone else. My parents built a home in the early 1980’s near Jack’s Creek in King William. A bend between the “swimming hole” and the “other branch” became my favorite … More A Place Apart

Swamp Monasticism: Brotherhood Among the Maroons

September 8, 2026

Abba Pachomious, like so many other men and women dissatisfied with the laxity of the Christian world around them, sought refuge for his soul in the desert. But it probably didn’t take him long to realize that not everyone was cut out to live in such harsh conditions alone. This is especially true for ladies … More Swamp Monasticism: Brotherhood Among the Maroons

Of Desert Fathers and Maroons: The Blessings of Unity

August 21, 2020

Behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity?  Psalm 132:1 LXX (133 Maesoretic) He (“old man” Elias) called togerher everybody who lived near him and built cells for them in a single day, me delivering mortar, and another bricks, another drawing water, and another cutting wood.  … More Of Desert Fathers and Maroons: The Blessings of Unity