"Our community has come together with great resolve as we have responded to this tragedy," says Elizabeth Haslam, President of the Board for Fellowship Farm. "We're going to rebuild-indeed, we've never been more committed."
Sometime after 11:00 PM on the night of April 7, 2009 a fire broke out in the Cheydleur dormitory at the Farm. This marks the first such incident of this kind we have experienced since the Farm began in 1951. The 32-bed facility, constructed in the 1960s, burned completely to the ground. The cause of the fire was electrical. Fellowship Farm has lodging which accommodates 120 people in what were four residential buildings before the fire. As plans for rebuilding Cheydleur progress, options for housing a full complement of guests are in effect.
Thankfully, no one was in the building at the time of the tragedy, and no one was hurt. And of the many trees surrounding the building, only three were damaged to the point of having to be cut down. Most importantly, the responding fire fighters were able to contain the fire to the one building and prevent further damage or loss. "Our grateful thanks go out to those fire departments responding to the alarm for a rapid response and exceptionally quick action preventing any other possible damage to the property," says Rhoda Indictor, Executive Director for the Farm. "There have been only a few disruptions in the work of the Farm," says Ms. Indictor. "All commitments to groups with reservations were honored and full service was delivered in the fire's aftermath. We are continuing to take reservations and offer programs at our 120 acre facility."
Our appreciation and admiration are extended to the following fire companies for their impressive and critical assistance at the fire… GOOD JOB!!
New Hanover Township Fire Co.
Gilbertsville, PA
Chief - William C. Moyer
Sassamansville Fire Company
Sassamansville, PA
Chief - Raymond Strickland
Ringing Hill Fire Company
Pottstown, PA
Chief - Bud Lightcap
Sanatoga Fire Company
Sanatoga, PA
Chief - Rick Brendlinger
The outpouring of support and good wishes from our friends, neighbors and extended Farm family members has been heartwarming and encouraging. "There is no question but that the work of the Farm is needed more at this time than ever in our history," says Dr. Haslam. "We will continue to be a leading force in the building and strengthening of relationships between people from all possible backgrounds and perspectives for the benefit of all."
The future…
As we assess the results of the loss of the original Cheydleur building we are looking toward the future with intense focus. With the support and loyalty of our many friends we have embarked on a Board driven effort to raise the funds required to rebuild Cheydleur and to continue to build the farm into the future.
A new building and advanced conference and retreat resources will enhance the recent upgrading of our lodging quarters and many other improvements we have made to the facility. We are in the process of reaching out to those who have been guests, visitors, new and long-time friends of the Farm for their support and involvement in the exciting times ahead.
Our belief is, and has always been, that when people from all backgrounds and life experiences come together in a peaceful context for a common purpose, miraculous and wondrous things can, and do, happen. We are confident in that belief and invite you to join with us in Rebuilding the Farm!
The background…
Fred Cheydleur was a young man in his early 20's that lived and worked at Fellowship Farm in the 1960's. Fred was firmly dedicated to the ideals and mission of the farm and served as a maintenance man with us during the time of the Viet Nam War. As a pacifist he did not serve in the military but because of his strong patriotism and concern for helping others he traveled to Cambodia on his own. Once there, he took up residence in a small village with the intention of helping out in whatever ways he could by working with the villagers.
While living in Cambodia, Fred Cheydleur was shot and killed by enemy forces who believed that he might have been a spy of some sort; this was, of course, not the case. His tragic death was a loss to the villagers he had befriended and in many ways a loss to untold others. Fred's contribution to peaceful and respectful relationships between people was indeed meaningful and very much in keeping with the values of Fellowship Farm. The Cheydleur Building, erected in the mid to late 60's, was named in his honor and memory... he will always remain an inspiration to us.