The cupola at the Mary Baker Eddy Historic House in Chestnut Hill is a beautiful window into the lives of the staff who lived and worked with Mrs. Eddy. The eight-sided room has an exit door to the roof and affords panoramic views of the eight-acre grounds as well as the hills to the south and west. Adam Dickey and other workers in the household went up there in the evenings to watch the stars and study astronomy when recreation time was afforded.1
Indeed, some of the workers recall that when Mrs. Eddy was informed that Halley’s Comet would be visible in the coming days, she even instructed Mr. Dickey to buy a telescope so the staff could see it for themselves.2 When climbing the stairs in 2014 to enjoy the cupola and the views from the roof, it is easy to imagine several of the workers gathering there after a long day to socialize and gaze upon the stars through the telescope.
As nostalgic as it is to imagine the old days of this cupola, it makes the desire for a roof accessory like this to become your own. The charm of a cupola really adds decoration to any barn, gazebo, garage or shed. Cupolas, due to their material usage of copper and vinyl, really can accentuate just about any building. You can find a variety of cupolas and weathervanes here, that are manufactured for easy installation. If you’re struggling with what size or style is appropriate for your specific building, you can find advice to help you on the website.
I Build to Reach the Sky
by Rev. Paul Lachlan Peck
Footsteps Along the Way, 2006
(Psalm 27:1)
8,6,8,6
Oh, may I build a consciousness,
That reaches to the stars;
With mortar of that holiness
Which God alone imparts.
I never need to grovel low
To deal with earthly things;
I never need to error bow,
Which sin and sickness brings.
I never need to misuse trust
That others vest in me;
I never need resort to lust,
To make myself more free.
I never need use mortal thoughts
To get my selfish way;
I never need acknowledge droughts
Of Love along the Way.
For every thought of mine is formed
To manifest the Word;
To have all needed things as norm
When Christ within is Lord.
The Lord I know as Oversoul,
Or Guardian Angel knows;
It knows those things that make me whole
Are present as I grow.
And when I grow as Duty calls,
I build my mansion high;
To grow more Christ-like above all,
I build to reach the sky!
Rev. Paul Lachlan Peck
34538 Via Verde
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
