Chesterfield Camp, located in Chesterfield, Indiana, is a community of Spiritualists that has been in existence at its present location since 1891. Having found a reference to this community during a search for interesting places to visit, we decided to stop one day last fall. The little “camp” itself presents a peaceful, beautiful setting complete with trails, worship altars, and many striking pieces of sculpture.
The Welcome Center
"Mushroom" Tables
The history of the community dates back to 1843, when Dr. John Westerfield first began to promote lectures in healing, clairvoyance mesmerism, “trance” speaking, and spirit contact at a facility in nearby Anderson, Indiana. Throughout the ensuing years, spiritualism rapidly gained in popularity in Indiana, as well as other regions of the nation. Several groups in the surrounding counties in Indiana regularly held meetings and séances, and Westerfield’s Anderson facility continued to grow. Finally, in 1891, “Camp Chesterfield” was opened, modeled after another community of spiritualists in Michigan.
Trail of Religions
Meditation Altar
Today the serene grounds are still open to the public. A Welcome Center greets visitors, and the Tree of Life Bookstore has a very complete selection of not only books, but also crystals, jewelry, art, and many other gifts and crafts. The layout of the grounds is very conducive to a peaceful stroll down the paved sidewalks. While the topography is somewhat rolling, all areas are easy to reach on foot. Several different religions are represented with “altars” scattered throughout the grounds, including statuary of Buddha, Mother Mary, Quan Yin, Jesus, Native American, and a stone pyramid.
One fascinating structure (see photo) is a semi-circular stone wall set in the side of the hill, with busts of the primary founders of the world’s religions displayed. This is called the Trail of Religions, and symbolically reinforces the spiritualist’s philosophy of acknowledgment of all religions. In addition, other shrines are placed throughout, and there are many benches and other areas for sitting and meditation. The grounds are remarkably quiet, even though they are located such that fairly heavily traveled highways are nearby.
The park like grounds are rectangular in shape, and surrounding the park are the homes of the clairvoyants, mediums, spiritual healers, and teachers. There are currently 23 different mediums residing in homes bordering the park. While most seem to require appointments, several do have signs indicating that walk-in visits are also warmly greeted. There is an Art Museum available, and a hotel is also on the grounds.
Regardless of one’s opinion of the philosophy of Spiritualism, this lovely, peaceful slice of Indiana’s history is well worth the time to visit. It is hard to imagine someone not being able to appreciate the beauty of this campus.
