Building in Faith; Planning for the Unprecedented
We hope that the website answers many of your questions. We also look forward to future conversations with you; please consider attending one of our community meetings. Do you prefer a more intimate conversation? Let us know. We will take you out for coffee.
As we build the school, paying careful attention to every part, we long for the days when we are meeting together to learn. So much had to happen for us to be ready for this moment, and much work remains. I spent some time in Italy this summer planning each step of our future teacher training and senior capstone trips. I heard the amazing story behind the building of the Duomo in Florence, the beautiful Santa Maria del Fiore.
The cathedral design included a dome without wooden support centering. But no one knew how to build such a dome. The space was too great to span without supports, given the technology available at this time. The cathedral was designed in faith; the designers prayed and trusted that God would show someone how to build the dome by the time it was needed. Can you imagine that?
Architect Filippo Brunelleschi — a goldsmith, sculptor, and eventually an architect — designed this marvel of Renaissance engineering, completing it between 1420 and 1436. An interesting aside is that he completed this monumental project after having been passed over for the commission to sculpt bronze reliefs for the baptistry doors.
This story instructs me in so many ways.
If God gives us a vision for something wonderful, He can teach us how to do it! We can trust that He will provide what we need every step of the way.
We will not despise the day of small beginnings. Opportunity goes to the prepared.
There are roles for everyone: some will imagine, some will design, some will build, some will decorate, and some will pray. Some will enjoy the fruits of the labor and will worship God when they hear the story.
Deep learning and excellence in one pursuit translates to other pursuits. Liberal learning offers the highest peaks.
Seeing is better than merely hearing a description; an experienc is better than second-hand knowledge.
My memory of the Florence Duomo brings me courage. My plan to see it with our teachers and students someday brings me joy!
Both here and there, I’m making plans for where we can be together—a beautiful, safe haven where we can learn and celebrate shared experiences together. I’m working out how we can experience important things as a group. Our community members deserve knowledgable, prepared guides who will say “Come and See,” informed by their own lived experience. With Chatt Classical, you’ll experience the genius, creativity, and beauty characteristic of our Western intellectual heritage.
Know that we are committed to preparing an experience for our community that is robust, integrated, embodied, and beautiful. That is true for both our ordinary days at our home facility and for our excursions into the world.
Again, we’re so grateful for you interest and engagement. Keep an eye on what we’re doing. Know that our plans are deep and wide to bring you the best, most beautiful school experience we can imagine.
With warmest regards,
Charissa Sethman, M.A., Head of School