Peace River / Peace Pole
We gather as many drops, each winding our own path down life’s surfaces and ruts.
Here we pool together as a single body, flowing together for a time.
Together we are a stream, at times even a river,
for, with our shared force, we can travel toward oceans of meaning and seas of connection. -Rev. Leslie Takahashi
International Peace Pole
The Congregation added an International Peace Pole in a March 29, 2026, program promoting peace. The Peace Pole, installed near the Peace River, promotes peace in four languages: English, Spanish, Dine, and American Sign Language. The Community Care Committee oversees the Peace River and Peace Pole with Dawn Knighten maintaining a personal responsibility for the installations. Pictures of the installation shown below are of Dawn, the consulting minister Rev. Dr. Nancy Hitt, and members of the congregation.
The UUWC Women’s Group at its April meeting spent time painting rocks with peace messages to be added to the Peace River/Peace Pole area at the church.
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The following letter has been sent to local media outlets:
Dear Editor,
In the current climate of the war in Iran, No Kings protests, and economic uncertainty, I am uplifted by the Unitarian Universalist Westside Congregation’s installation and dedication of an international Peace Pole on March 29, at their location, 1650 Abrazo Drive NE, here in Rio Rancho. This is the only Peace Pole in Rio Rancho, as listed on the virtual global Peace Pole map (https://www.peacepoleproject.org/plantpeacepolemap/). It joins approximately 250,000 other Peace Poles in over 180 countries. Peace Poles are an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of unity among people of all backgrounds and cultures. They serve as a silent prayer for peace, a way of bringing people together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness the world over.
Peace Poles began in Japan at the end of World War II, as a reaction to the violence, destruction and loss of life. Peace Poles have the phrase, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, in four different languages, one on each side of the pole. The Unitarian Universalist congregation chose English, Spanish and Navajo to represent the cultures here in New Mexico. The fourth language is American sign language, a nod to their principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
The public is welcome to visit the Peace Pole. It resides in the area just to the left of the sanctuary doors. It is our fervent hope that Peace does indeed prevail in the world, in our nation, in New Mexico, in Rio Rancho, and in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Dawn Knighten
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The Peace River has undergone a recent renewal with a cleanup and addition of new features. When next at UUWC take a look at the Peace River, which is on the south side of the building between the Sanctuary and Social Hall.
Strengthening our community is more important than ever.
Please contribute to our Peace River located outside the Social Hall by decorating a stone and leaving it behind for others to enjoy or you can bring an already decorated piece to add to the Peace River. Look here for more information in the future.
If you need inspiration please view our gallery.
