Cassadaga: A town with real spirit

By Victor Block

Travel Writer

As my wife Fyllis, our friend Kathy, and I contemplated visiting a tiny town in Florida, the choices were both varied and intriguing. Did we prefer joining a healing meditation circle or seeking spiritual counseling? Would we opt for a séance or class in ancient wisdom teachings?

This is how planning for a trip to the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp went. Adding to the appeal was the ironic fact that this destination, focused upon life after death and communicating with those who have entered that realm, is near Walt Disney World, with its wealth of fantasy-land, man-made attractions.

Cassadaga was founded by George Colby, a medium, who claimed his “spirit guide” Seneca advised him to establish a spiritual center in Florida. Colby purchased land and, in 1894, incorporated the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association. The camp — actually a neighborhoodsized community — sits in the lowlands characteristic of central Florida. Many of its approximately 75 residents are spiritualists of one kind or another.

The bookstore and welcome center is the logical place to begin a visit. Its selection of books explores topics ranging from spiritualism and metaphysics to meditation and ghosts. Crystal balls and candles share shelf space with incense, Tibetan singing bowls and fairy statues. This is where people choose their activities and make arrangements. The names and telephone numbers of certified mediums and healers on duty each day are listed on a board.

While Fyllis and Kathy headed for sessions with a “Certified Medium, Healer and Teacher,” I met with the Rev. Doctor Louis Gates, who is pastor of Colby Memorial Temple. I wanted to learn about spiritualism, and he was a treasure-trove of knowledge.

Gates is very affable and down-to-earth which, I concluded, are perfect traits for one who serves as both a pastor and a medium/healer/teacher. Based upon his description of Spiritualism as a combination of religion, philosophy and, among its disciples, science, I found I can relate to a number of its precepts. It is very welcoming, uplifting and supportive, and the overall message is one of love and hope.

I understood the principle that people are responsible for themselves and control their own destiny, but that comes with a bit of potential downside. “Spiritualism is a tough religion,” the Gates explained, “because there’s no one else to blame if things go wrong.”

While I was receiving an overview of Spiritualism, Fyllis and Kathy participated in a session with a practitioner. Fyllis came away impressed with a number of the woman’s comments.

“I see you traveling a lot for work” fit well with my wife’s role as a travel writer. “You like the outdoor and open space” was in keeping with the her love for hiking through woods.

Among other observations were that I am a photographer (I take pictures to illustrate travel stories.), Fyllis’s daughter Ariane “has a good head on her shoulders” (she does) and that Fyllis has something to do with relics (which, I hope, referred to our recent visit to Greek and Roman archaeological sites during a trip to Sicily, rather than to me).

On the other hand, some remarks seemed less relevant. For example, Fyllis has no present plans to be in the Pacific Northwest, speak before a large group of people or write a book.

After our talking and listening sessions, we strolled around town which, given Cassadaga’s compact size, didn’t take long. The walking tour pamphlet led us to Seneca Park, which is named for George Colby’s spirit guide; a healing area and Fairy Trail Park where, we read, Nature Spirits “only show themselves to those who believe.”

We ended our visit at the Cassadaga Hotel for a snack and look-see. Even there, in the midst of its Victorian setting, guests may arrange for a psychic reading, séance and other services in keeping with the overall purpose of the town.

That overriding goal, I concluded, is one with which both believers and any doubters can relate. For example, I suspect many people agree with the inspirational saying on a sign in the hotel: “Forgiveness lifts heaviness from the burdened heart.” On the other hand, skeptics might have less faith in another nearby pronouncement, which reads: “I believe in fairies. I do, I do, I do.” Those who consign themselves to that category of visitor may take heart in the assurance that Cassadaga welcomes “not only believers, but the curious and skeptical as well.”

Submitted photo

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