Published: October 03, 2008 10:50 am      

Feeling of fellowship goes far beyond definition

Fellowship. Have you ever thought about the meaning of that special word? The dictionary definition describes it as “a sharing of common interests, goals, experiences, or views.” An adequate explanation, I guess, but I think that the academic rhetoric misses some of the brilliance behind the expression. Or maybe there is just a unique force within the feeling of fellowship that can’t help but get lost in the translation from real life to a page in a dictionary.

Whatever the reason, I just don’t think that any combination of words could describe the special power that emerges when a group of people comes together for a common cause.

I have been thinking about fellowship ever since this past Saturday, when I was privileged to attend several events which proved to me that the united community spirit is still alive and well in Southern West Virginia. Maybe this is more of a significant revelation to me than it will be to any of our readers. That’s because, before I moved to the Appalachian region a few years ago, I don’t think that I ever even uttered the word “fellowship.” Not once. In my native Michigan, and in many places around this country of ours, it seems that camaraderie and community have fallen victim to the selfish bullies named “Ego,” “Pride,” and “Greed.” Who has time for togetherness when there’s money, success and self-glory to be gained?

Much to my happy surprise, I have found that here in the Appalachian region, there are many people who still take the time for that togetherness. People here understand that when we humble ourselves enough to become one with the congregation, we don’t lose the individual identity that makes us unique. Instead, we gain that amazing strength that can only come from the powerful spirit of unification.

When I came here, it took me some time to recognize that power for what it really is. I knew that there was something special present in the community gatherings that were so foreign to me, but I kept expecting that remarkable feeling to fade away. In my former world, where a conversation with your neighbor was a hindrance blocking the road to success, unity was an elusive commodity. The spirit of camaraderie was so fleeting that I was astonished to find that it could actually last throughout an extended period of time. It was so satisfying to me when I finally realized that here in the Appalachians, unity is a constant and unwavering presence.

It was certainly there last weekend, at the farm of Allen and Paula Dunagan, during their annual molasses making gathering. Friends, family and strangers gathered from all over to enjoy an old-time communal affair together. The spirit of united effort was undeniable as people from all walks of life joined forces to make molasses the old-fashioned way. The following day, most of those people traveled by horse and wagon to a little country church a few miles from the farm, using some of their precious time to share a nostalgic pastime together. I’m most certain that nobody who took part in that special event regretted spending that time that could have been used to attain self-gain and individual success.

Unity was present, too, in downtown Princeton Saturday, during the third annual AutumnFest. A large crowd of area residents braved the rain and dreary weather to spend a day celebrating heritage and community. No political party lines separated neighbors; no friction emerged between individuals wanting their beliefs to be right. It was purely and simply a day filled with the wonderful spirit of harmony and togetherness.

Those special intangibles were there, as well, at the Little Opry, Saturday night, when my band played for a large crowd who shared dinner, music and fellowship throughout an evening that I won’t soon forget. Though I am used to such togetherness, now, I continue to be fascinated by the very perceptible power that emanates from a united group of people.

I think that unity is one of the most powerful and effective natural forces that we have been given. It is the source of that natural high that we feel when the camaraderie of teamwork results in a success that nobody could have achieved alone. It is the strength that drives families through the toughest times of tragedy, loss and despair. And it was the reason that our nation was able to overcome its darkest day, when terrorists took the lives of so many of our fellow Americans and threatened the freedom that we have stood upon for so long.

It is a proven fact that special things happen when we unite. I am glad that here in Southern West Virginia, that powerful bond isn’t exclusively reserved for the hard times.

A famous philosopher once said that “so powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”

I am so proud to live here, where that light continues to shine so bright.

CharLy Markwart is a Princeton Times reporter. Contact her at cmarkwart@ptonline.net.