A Thank You Letter from Jane Harris

There is much good in the world despite reports to the contrary. We really don't have to look far to find it — it's all around us, it's in each of us. Sometimes we just need the right circumstances to illuminate it. Thanks to Timber Framers Joel McCarty and Ed Levin, local residents Grigg and Cindy Mullen and Will Harris, goodness was in abundance at Effinger Elementary School, near Lexington, VA this past weekend. In addition to the many alumni gathered for their annual reunion, Effinger hosted almost 100 members of the Timber Framers Guild and VMI cadets who, assisted by community members, constructed a beautiful timber-pegged gazebo overlooking the school playground.

From April 4th-7th, skilled craftsmen from all over the country worked diligently to instruct volunteers and the young cadets in a building technique which has served mankind for centuries. Students and others who gathered to watch, were reminded that many of the oldest churches in Europe were built in much the same way, where each post and beam is carefully cut, pieced together and joined by wooden pegs.

In a time when everything seems to operate by a chip, disc or keyboard, it is refreshing to see men and women using their minds and hands to create things of great beauty. Timber Framers demonstrated skills passed down through the ages to create simple yet timeless structures, built to last many lifetimes. Members of the Guild eagerly shared their talents with the novice builders present at Effinger, but used great patience to insure that everyone who was interested understood the construction methods. Although countless hours of preparation preceeded it, the gazebo, all perfectly pegged and pieced, and having nary a nail in it, rose in just 12 hours. The laborers, few with any real ties to the Effinger area, were from all walks of life and were simply drawn together by the common goal of creating something lasting for the school children and community, while honing their time honored craft.

As the building took shape, many of the observers commented that it looked like a cathedral. In fact, people talked quietly, almost reverently, as they watched the workers in action. In such a setting, surrounded by such giving people, it was easy to reflect that working joyfully together, teaching, sharing and doing good for others, are all basic tenets of most religions. No wonder, then, that the gazebo began to resemble a miniature cathedral to those who watched it rise. Not only is it structurally beautiful, but it also seems to be imbued with the near spiritual qualities of its selfless builders.

And so, because of the Timber Framers, VMI cadets and other generous souls, the little gazebo stands nestled, church-like, on the quiet hillside of Effinger Elementary School, reminding us all of the many different types of people in the world and all the good that they can do when given the chance. Perhaps the Timber Framers are helping to perpetuate much more than just old-time architectural skills. Perhaps in addition to beautiful structures, they also build and strengthen community spirit wherever they go.

The folks in the Effinger area will always be grateful to our new found friends at VMI and within the Timber Framers Guild and will forever consider those people to be honorary members of our community. Many thanks to each and everyone who took part in this event and again, special thanks to Burke Parsons-Bowlby Corp., North Fork Lumber, Joel and Susan McCarty, Ed Levin, Virginia Military Institute, Cindy and Grigg Mullen, Joan and Wayne Neal, Will Harris and the people of Effinger for making this dream become a reality.