lily dale assembly

I heard a lot about Lily Dale and drove 300 miles for a visit. I scheduled 2 readings, with 2 different so called mediums on alternate days. The readings were more like an act you would see at a circus. Sure if they guess long enough they might get one fact right! At $50.00 a reading I sure expected more. The scenery is nice, but I have the same thing in my own back yard. If your looking for answers and truth, don't bother. If you like side shows and quackery, you will love it!!

I was surprised to find Lilydale on tripadvisor. It is true that readings cost money, and that you can pay a modest fee to stay at their hotel or one of the privately owned vacation homes. But Lilydale is a spiritual place, for those who want spiritual growth. And the experience you get is based on what you put into it, not the money involved. As with any spiritual place, no matter what religion is attached to it, if you do not come with humility and grace, your experience may be lacking.I believe I f you are meant to have a reading from one of Lilydales high profile mediums, it will happen. The funds will be made available to you, they may have a cancellation (in fact, this is exactly how my mother got a reading from Anne Gehmann after she was diagnosed with cancer). If you pray, or meditate, or whatever it is you do- the right spiritual guidance will come to you.

My pilgrimage to Lily Dale has become an annual event. I meet cousins there and occasionally take a friend. Each year, we do our favorites: The Stump, Healing Temple, and Forest Temple. A few times I attended the services in Assembly Hall. We MUST have the pot roast sandwich and the quiche in the Sunflower Café on each visit. For each of my 5 visits, I did arrange a private reading: Janice Dreshman (twice), Joe Shiel, Patty Lillis, and Celeste Elliot. I was never disappointed and I am rather skeptical person, yet open-minded.I also try to do something different each time. Twice, we participated in the Spirit Walk. I once attended a special half day workshop. This time we discovered a little quirky gift shop in one of the charming little Victorian homes. Once I stayed on site and since then I have been staying at a local B&B. It is difficult to describe the atmosphere of this quirky, peaceful, beautiful little village. It is NOT a vacation resort as some have assumed. It is NOT a playground for children. One does not go here for beach and boating. It is a spiritual destination designed to calm and restore the senses. As long as I am physically able, I will be returning each year.

I heard about the Monday night circles but couldn't find much information about it. The circles take place from the end of June thru the end of August. My sister, two friends and I decided to go one Monday evening. We got there about 6:15 (after 6:00 the gate fee is reduced to $6 from $12.) There was already quite a line at the auditorium. I'm told the process has changed from previous seasons. Tickets go on sale starting at 7:00. If you don't have a group of 4, they try to get a group together to make the ticket sales go faster. At 7:00 tickets go on sale. They are $15 per person. We got our tickets about 7:30 and were told to come back at 7:50. Each group of 4 gets the same ticket number. At 7:50 you find your circle by the ticket number on the chairs and each circle is assigned a medium. The circles last until 9:00. It seems each medium has their own format. Ours took each person in the group aside and gave a reading 10 - 15 minutes long. When he was done, we were allowed to ask one question. It was very informative and each of us felt like we received very accurate information.We enjoyed ourselves so much, we went back another Monday afternoon for lunch, the stump and the circles. We got in line at the auditorium about 6:30 for the circles. We waited about an hour and a half to be told there weren't enough mediums that evening so we didn't get a reading. It was disappointing. I think since it's such a popular event and the price is reasonable, they should have circles with 6 people and each person gets a 10 minute reading. That way, more people would get a reading. I would highly recommend the Monday night circles because it's a fun event and you get a 15 minute reading for an excellent price. If you were to get a private reading the price would be way higher. We plan on trying again next season.

I wish more of you would reveal who you had a reading with. This certainly helps when booking a reading. My husband and myself have been several times for readings . I just loved my reading withGerta . She was right on target. My husband had a reading with her and was not impressed. I have had a reading with John White. He was right on target. I also had a reading with Willa White and all she wanted to talk about was my husband. Book your reading early so you can get the time and date that you want.

Beautiful grounds. Once you drive thru the main gate, you take a step back in time! People are friendly there! Spiritualism is the main topic there. The shops and restaurants are open late June through Labor Day. During this time there are numerous workshops, guest speakers, mediums and special events to attend. There are several guest houses to lodge at or you can stay at an old hotel that is on the grounds. Love it there and this was my 5th year to visit.

My first time to Lily Dale. A long ride in the car but well worth it and the ride along the Southern Tier Expressway itself is quite scenic. I went with people who have been going there every year for over 20 years so that helped. The Lake View Guest House is very lovely. My bedroom with a view of the lake from the bed was like staying in a dollhouse. Shared bathrooms and showers but a sink in my room. Shared sitting area/living room and balconies overlooking the lake, spectacular. The whole little village is charming and unique. People there from all over. The Fairy Trail was astonishing and I brought along my own contribution to leave there. Sunflower Cafe and Cup o' Joe were great and they let you linger as long as you like which is practically unheard of in this day and age. The whole place was like stepping back in time. I brought my yoga mat and did yoga on the covered wraparound porch one morning when it was a little rainy. Had a healing in the Assembly Hall and went to mediumship services at Inspiration Stump. Whole place felt like stepping back in time. Free With-Fi at the guest house for guests which was very important and much appreciated. Forest Temple is great and they have some adorable gift shops.

Honestly, I didn't know what I was looking for when I got there. It's a quaint community full of mediums. Some of the housing is quaint, but is brought down by the myriad of surrounding modern homes. The cost of purchasing items at the stores are high. I actually found the stores in Salem, MA to be much more reasonable. I didn't see the beach but my 9 and 18 year old didn't like it. All I'm saying is if a kid doesn't like a beach. It costs $12 per person over 18 to get into the town. However, Monika's food was excellent and reasonably priced. The best part of the trip.

I posted a forum question here four years ago but didn't make the trip until this month. Finally! Although I am not a member of the Spiritualist church, I have been interested in their community since reading some books and meeting various people who go to Lily Dale for workshops and special events. I really enjoyed looking at the old buildings and walking around the grounds. I did not go swimming because it was a little bit chilly that day, but the beach, though small, seems very inviting for swimming or putting in a canoe or kayak (but you have to bring your own boat, apparently). The Stump meeting is considered a religious service, and some of the mediums who spoke at it seemed for real and very good. I went to hear a speaker (which was an extra $45) and enjoyed her presentation. I stayed in my little RV at the campgrounds. It was very pleasant, but the electric service is only 15 amps, so I couldn't run my refrigerator. There was so much to do on the grounds that I really didn't stay much in my camper. I ate breakfast and lunch at the cafeteria and it was pretty comparable to an average family diner and the prices were reasonable. I went to the Joe coffeehouse and that was a nice touch also. I did not go to Monika's because the menu of salads and such did not appeal to me. I want to go back to Lily Dale sometime just to relax and take it all in. I did not go to the mediums for an individual reading.

Teachers, store owners, restaurants, hotels were all kind and helpful! The area is not only for learning about spiritualism, but also provides fun and enjoyment too!

Definitely visit in the afternoon when readings are done here. It is a really spiritual place and very relaxing and calming.

I went to the Lily Dale assembly for the first time with my sisters. I attended several classes and enjoyed each of them. I had the pleasure of attending Gerta Lestocks "last class" before retiring. and had the most awesome adventure. Coming home I found myself grumpy because I had to leave. Quaint homes with many mediums some of the homes in need of some care but for the most part a beautiful place. Calm and serene, the cats came to visit me everyday which was wonderful as I had left my critters at home in florida. This will be an every year trip as long as I'm able to go.

We enjoyed our two day visit to Lily Dale. It is a quirky little town with cute Victorian houses on a small tranquil lake. It kind of reminded me of a combination of Woodstock, NY, our son's sleep away camp and the campground in Oaks Bluff on Martha's Vineyard. Not all the houses are perfectly kept up, but that was part of the appeal of keeping with the timelessness of the place. Very generic, general messages from the mediums during the Forest Temple and Inspirational Stump services. Nice to sit in the peaceful woods during the services though- be sure to bring your bug spray! Enjoyed watching the confused expressions of the recipients of the messages. Had two private readings- one was very interesting and hit upon some possible distant relatives. The second private reading was absolutely terrible! I think I would have done a better job! What a joke! It's all part of the experience, I guess! The highlight of the visit was definitely the Healing Temple and the meditation circle. We both felt terrific after both and went to a second Healing service the next day. Loved the special show which happen to be there called "Buddy's Gift" by comedian Jack Simmons. He was terrific! The 2 restaurants and coffee shop, Cup of Joe, were pretty good and had delicious homemade desserts! Cup of Joe had a live singer on Saturday night, which created a fun, festive atmosphere. We stayed at the Leolyn Hotel located right outside the gates of Lily Dale on the lake. Bare bones accommodations, but was very clean and had a comfortable bed. Enjoyed the informative video shown in the library. Didn't have time to go to the little museum, which used to be a one room school house. Overall, had a relaxing, interesting time. Would recommend Lily Dale to anyone who has an open mind, and who would enjoy a bit of an adventure!

This was my second visit to the Lily Dale Community. I have found both visits to be very peaceful and tranquil. It really is a community untouched by the rest of the world. My friends and I are making it an all ladies female getaway trip to reconnect to ourselves and our lost loved ones every year. The visit is best enjoyed by turning off electronics for the day and living in the moment!

I love the Lily Dale Assembly. The town has a wonderful vibe, everyone is very friendly and the Healing Service is an experience not to be missed. An authentic and uplifting place to visit.