Cathedral of the Pines Foundation

Cathedral of the Pines Foundation is dedicated to the memory and honor of all Veterans and their family members as a place to honor, celebrate life, and reflect while on ones journey to find peace and solace.  

Who We Are

Cathedral of the Pines (COTP) is a nationally recognized memorial dedicated to the memory and honor of all Americans who serve the nation in search of peace.  We are open to the public as a place of spiritual, cultural, and environmental appreciation.

Our History

From the Dawnland time of the Ko'asek Abenaki N'dakinna territory, through the earliest 18th century colonial settlements, to today's pristine natural beauty, this site has served prominently in reverence of the natural environment, the birth of a nation, and defense of freedom.  From 1760 to 1937, 177 years, the Moses Hale family farmed the land that sustained this prominent Rindge family through six generations.  Since 1938, the Sloane family and the Cathedral of the Pines Foundation have stewarded and enhanced a spiritual vision of the site as an all-inclusive, all-welcoming, "cathedral without walls" to memorialize all men and women who have sacrificed their lives in times of conflict.

Who We Serve

For 80 years, we have welcomed ALL to visit and enjoy the peace and tranquility of our grounds.  Our programming is diverse and ranges across spiritual, memorial, therapeutic, and community events, with a community-driven focus on the needs of veterans, first responders, their families, and their service animals.  COTP currently collaborates with over 100 New Hampshire based organizations which annually host, organize, sponsor, or implement events on our campus.  These organizations range from regional chapters of veteran groups such as Wounded Warriors, Home Base, and BlueStar Families; to organizations like Lions/Elk/Moose Lodges, Ladies Auxiliaries, and Garden Clubs; to civic groups such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotarians, Masons, and Scouting America.

Our Vision

Our vision is to expand programming to full 12-month operation and accessibility.  COTP's greatest asset is our calming natural 236-acre site of memorial structures, serene gardens, pristine woodlands, meadows, ponds, and five-mile network of trails, all of which immerse visitors in nature.  The potential for emotionally and spiritually therapeutic "healing-in-nature" experiences abound for all visitors.  Specifically our current priority objectives are:

Cathedral House & Barn Revitalization

Our Trustees are investigating the renovation and adaptive re-use of the historic 150-year-old Cathedral House & Barn located a few hundred yards down the hill from COTP's iconic main facilities: the Altar of the Nations, Hilltop House, WWII Museum, and Women's Memorial Bell Tower.  The re-vitalization of the House & Barn will create flexible space to host events and workshops as well as provide modest overnight accommodations for small groups.  Phased implementation of this project will significantly enhance our physical resources to support year-round access.

Women's Memorial Bell Tower Repairs

The 55-foot tall Women's Memorial Bell Tower, dedicated in 1967, needs stonework repair and re-pointing.  The tower is believed to be the first monument in the United States devoted exclusively to women's military service and sacrifice.  At its base a granite fountain commemorates the lives of American nurses lost in war.  Four bronze plaques decorate the tower's four archways.  Designed by Norman Rockwell and cast by his son, Peter, the bas relief plaques pay tribute to two centuries of American women's pioneering service.  Its carillon includes historic bells cast in British and Flemish foundries.

Memorial Gardens Maintenance

Our memorial gardens are vast and require extensive seasonal care by paid professionals and volunteers - from tree pruning and trail maintenance to weeding and watering.  The grounds include: the Veteran, Sloane Family, and Service Animal Cemeteries; the Garden of Remembrance, Mother's and St. Francis Chapels; the Prayer Stone, Ten Commandments and Zen Gardens, plus five miles of nature trails.  Donations and work-crew volunteers are always appreciated.

Therapeutic Healing-in-Nature Programming

We collaborate regularly with a multitude of organizations which provide professional on-site "healing-in-nature" counseling services to a wide-range of community, social, and environmental challenges such as PTSD therapies, chronic abuse, suicide prevention, substance dependencies, adaptive special needs, and more.  Our goal is to minimize barriers offering these services cost-free to participants, but this requires both recurring charitable donations as well as dedicated volunteers. 

How You Can Help

You can help us fulfill our vision: Donate a tax-deductible contribution; Volunteer to assist one of our grounds or event work-crews; or Participate in one of our celebratory events.  We welcome your interest and appreciate your support.