Exploring Norfolk, VAs Spiritual and Sacred Treasures

When one thinks of Norfolk, VA, the first things that come to mind are beaches, naval bases and lively nightlife. However, this city by the Chesapeake Bay has its share of spiritual treasures as well.

One such treasure is St. Pauls Episcopal Church (201 Saint Pauls Blvd., Norfolk), founded in 1739 and a National Historic Landmark. The church was attended by many prominent Americans including George Washington and Robert E. Lee during his time at nearby Fort Monroe.

Another historic church worth visiting is Freemason Street Baptist Church (400 East Freemason St., Norfolk), established in 1803 as the First Baptist Church of Norfolk for African American worshippers. It served as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad helping slaves escape to freedom.

For those interested in Eastern spirituality, there is the Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (4820 Shell Rd., Virginia Beach). This temple offers worship services for devotees of Sai Baba, a revered saint from India who lived in the late 19th century.

If youre looking for something truly unique however, head over to Witchduck Road where youll find The A.R.E.s Edgar Cayce Foundation (215 67th St L9155A1 ,Virginia Beach). Known as the sleeping prophet, Edgar Cayce would enter into trancelike states and offer medical diagnoses or predictions about future events based on what he called psychic readings.

But perhaps some of the most interesting spiritual sites are actually hidden within plain sight like murals painted on back alleys or small shrines placed between buildings. In Ghent neighborhood alone you will find several examples such as an outdoor shrine dedicated to Our Lady Guadalupe near Colley Avenue & Spencer Street; or intricate tile work adorned upon Saint Augustine Catholic school fence along Princess Anne Road; even garages decorated with bright colors and religious imagery.

Lastly, if youre looking for a spiritual retreat within the city limits, check out the Virginia Zoological Park (3500 Granby St., Norfolk). The zoo offers occasional Zen with Zebras classes which allow visitors to do yoga and meditation surrounded by nature and animals.

Overall, exploring Norfolks spiritual side is a unique way to experience this vibrant coastal city. From ancient churches that have stood the test of time to hidden shrines in urban alleys there is something special here for everyone seeking deeper meaning.

Websites:

St. Pauls Episcopal Church: https://www.stpaulsva.org/

Freemason Street Baptist Church: https://www.freemasonstreet.org/

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: https://www.virginiasaitemple.org/

Edgar Cayce Foundation: https://www.edgarcayce.org/

Virginia Zoological Park:https://virginiazoo.org/

Twitter names:

St. Pauls Episcopal Church @stpaulnorfolk

The A.R.E.s Edgar Cayce Foundation @edgarcayceorg

Virginia Zoo@VirginiaZoo