Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2012 Issue | Page 26

ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN Fifty years of the diocesan camp experience at Shrine Mont JOE WINGENBACH Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. – Luke 17:1-2 Fittingly, the first time I remember hearing the story of the Transfiguration was at the Shrine itself. I was nine or so and having the time of my life at St. George’s Camp. What I can admit now is that the first time I heard the story I found it to be a really strange one. The dramatic light was cool, but what was I supposed to make of the rest? Moses was a familiar name, but who on earth was this Elijah? Then again, it was quite possible I hadn’t given the story my full attention. After all, worshipping in the Shrine takes an immense amount of mental discipline when you are nine. There are rocks to be rearranged, bugs to be corralled and faces to be made at your cabin mates. Still, the story made an impression, and when I heard it again the next year upon returning to camp it was a little less weird. As the years passed, I came to expect the story with the mysterious appearances of Moses and Elijah, Peter’s awkwardness and Jesus’ calm imperative. These days, it would be impossible to recall how many times I have heard the story of the Transfiguration from chaplains, friends and bishops alike. During my time as a counselor and then director at St. George’s, I have even told the story a few times myself – to nine year-olds who have a really tough time paying attention in an outdoor church. But the important thing is this: at some point, the story of the Transfiguration started to make a lot of sense, and today it is an inexorable part of what I now understand Shrine Mont to be. Shrine Mont is a place apart; and while the Shrine Mont staff dutifully work there year-round, for most visitors it is a place that is comfortingly unlike 24 those we visit in our everyday lives off the mountain. Like the disciples, we are led to the mountain by Christ, and leave with a better, albeit still imperfect, understanding of Him. Amazingly, in the course of talking with people at Shrine Mont on any given weekend, the entire story of the Transfiguration will reveal itself: the voice of God, brightened faces, the unexpected, majestic skies and the patience and also often composed of things that are, almost paradoxically, completely familiar and brand new. Some of the best Shrine Mont experiences are those that see generational gaps dissolve, new friends discovered and folks from opposite corners of the Diocese together at work and play. And as it would happen, everyone who has come to know the refreshing, renewing and reviving spirit of the mountain had to start sometime. Like me, many of Shrine Mont’s most ardent supporters and devotees made their first trip to Shrine Mont with a trunk full و