This is a cult, right?

Submitted by CassCat t3_10nf2cs in Connecticut

https://gracefarms.org/

Maybe I've become a cynic in my mid-life, but this gorgeous free but non-publicly-funded venue where people can come and enjoy the grounds without any pressure to pay anything seems a little off to me. There are hints of some sort of religious underpinning to it, on the "Faith" tab of the website, but it's overall very vague as to who paid for all this, and why they're so welcoming of anybody who wants to drop by.

Is this true philanthropy, or am I going to be wearing potato sacks and worshipping Blork after a few visits?

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PlayerOneDad t1_j68d505 wrote

Never thought of it as a cult. More like rich people funneling money into a church to keep the tax man away.

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CassCat OP t1_j68dcky wrote

Replying to PlayerOneDad (#1,551,943)

Guy who built it is co-chief of world's largest hedge fund, I'm learning, so that may be correct. However, one man's tax shelter could be beneficial to the public, I guess?

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emptytheprisons t1_j68e3w0 wrote

This is sort of fascinating, they say their mission is "to pursue peace through nature, arts, justice, community, and faith." Normally you'd expect that to involve a rejection of the state's (state as in USA, not CT) definition of justice, but they constantly host speeches by federal agents from the FBI, Border Patrol, the US Army etc.

Their focus on "environmental crimes" is almost entirely about individual actors (like poaching and trafficking) rather than anything that challenges the status quo.

Seeing that a hedge fund owner was involved in the creation really brings it all together for me, but what a strange organization!

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reddyrooster t1_j68eqnr wrote

My company was a huge part of the construction of this place and it really is a free place to do stuff, they have pickup sports on the weekend, a library, some assorted classes and there’s not staff running around with pamphlets to join some blood sacrifice, just a public space on a beautiful spot of land

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CassCat OP t1_j68estm wrote

Replying to Independent_Source97 (#1,551,741)

Hedge fund guy tries to build "church", with very broad mission statement that seems non-religious. Neighbours kick up shit because that's New Canaan's favorite hobby, and complain that liberal land use policies afforded to religious-use land don't apply and mount legal challenge. Mission statement gets re-vamped. Thing gets built anyway. Neighbours ultimately fuck off. Controversial building now somewhere you can go to do free stuff on weekend.

Did I miss anything?

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jppianoguy t1_j68fd9n wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,551,976)

A lot of billionaires do that all the time. Think Rockefellers and Carnegies, now the Gates', etc.

They create nonprofits that do good work, for sure, but they also hire their friends and family members to run them.

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CassCat OP t1_j68fthp wrote

Replying to jppianoguy (#1,552,314)

Seems to me that once you have a stupid amount of money, the only thing left to do is shape the world in your image, which is potentially bad if you happen to be a dick.

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GunnieGraves t1_j68gw7e wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,552,279)

If we don’t hear from you, should we assume you’ve surrendered your worldly possessions and are devoting yourself to the spiritual journey?

Oh and report back what flavor the kool-aid is.

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coco-coco-coco t1_j68h7ef wrote

Extremely rich people organizing their tax breaks in a manner that matches their eccentricities. It's like a hedge fund bro investing in a restaurant bc he wants to feel like a baller, only artsy.

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bluebird_on_skates t1_j68h87g wrote

The people there are freakishly friendly. Also the cafe is delicious. It is a beautiful place but definitely has a vibe of trying to lure you in…

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SnowTech t1_j68i2hh wrote

Blork is the way. Blork is the light of the true shape of our savior.

Blork OMMMMMMMMMM

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danhm t1_j68jbnz wrote

I've been there! It's absolutely beautiful but yes, it feels like a cult. Go watch something like Midsommar before you go, get real immersive with it.

We chatted with one of the women who worked there. Her name was, in fact, Grace. Was she grown there?!

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JHolm915 t1_j68krb1 wrote

The offer of 20% off "programming" sounds pretty suspicious and cult-like to me.

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JuiceyDelicious t1_j68mfye wrote

No this is not a cult. The grace farm foundation promotes its mission, and the church is a seperate an entity. The foundation was formed by Bob Prince, co-CIO of Bridgewater, with his wife as the president. It's for sure a large tax write off, but both the foundation and church are positive and contribute to community culture. I don't know wh you'd think it's a cult, other than feeling insecure bout your socio economic status.

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urbanevol t1_j68mra9 wrote

I've gone there for free music events that were really great! It's a beautiful spot.

The aesthetic is definitely "new age cult" but they have never pushed anything when I've been there. The music host has described their mission as something about ending unethical practices in the architectural supply chain. Seems like more of a vanity project maybe?

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itsmills420 t1_j68od6o wrote

charitable tax deduction most likely, I agree, seems the only thing left to do once you have billions is to become a philanthropist. you don't need to be rich to change the world, just be good to others and meet others with compassion and an open heart

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nyc2vt84 t1_j68qk56 wrote

Idk. It’s a nice park and event space and it preserved it from development. I’m going with net positive

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Vegetable-Appeal9301 t1_j68t6g7 wrote

I would say yes it is cult lite. There is a lot of strangeness going on there. The security is so over the top and every square inch is under surveillance. They have a secret room where everything is watched and recorded. Hmmmmm

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Grundle_Fromunda t1_j68tp9z wrote

Replying to Independent_Source97 (#1,551,741)

SO INTERESTING. Ray Dalio and Bridgewater were constant names being thrown around at one of my previous employers. They did a lot of work for the hedge fund and Dalio. Very intriguing since it was just fodder to me as I was working my way through my career and then to run across this on Reddit and deciding to click on that article to have the names in there.

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Rosyredelectricblue t1_j68ts6i wrote

I was forced here with my family while visiting back home in CT and was bored out of my mind. I suggested we go pumpkin picking at Jones Farm but noooo let go to the religious art farm park. We ended up at a pumpkin farm.

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CANOODLING_SOCIOPATH t1_j68vza5 wrote

It gives off strong cult vibes and is definitely not my cup of tea. But they largely seem to be harmless rich weirdos.

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CassCat OP t1_j68w71m wrote

Replying to JuiceyDelicious (#1,553,610)

No need to be nasty. It appears to be a separate entity for zoning and regulatory reasons per the article posted above; appears the original intention was to build a church, but there were concerns that government organizations would be excluded from partnerships d/t separation of church/state-type laws. So I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss it as a recruiting ground for some religious body.

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mynameisnotshamus t1_j68zzd1 wrote

Replying to Grundle_Fromunda (#1,554,906)

They’re pretty big names and have been kicked around in the news / social media for years. Dalio doesn’t exactly shy away from media exposure. Maybe you’re only noticing mention of them now, but I know way too much about both Ray Dalio and Bridgewater for someone with no real interest in either.

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WhittlingDan t1_j691e9m wrote

Its part of a push towards privately owned public spaces.... Do you see where this goes? Do you see the connection to privately owned public services and more privatization? It also gives them more control because they do not have to follow the constitution the way the government does. A privately owned public space does not have to protect free speech for example! Facebook is like a privately owned public space. If every free public space disappeared how long do you think private space would remain free? Maybe this place isn't exactly like that but it serves as a good source of propaganda for privatized public spaces.

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WhittlingDan t1_j691mxo wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,551,976)

I posted this as a general comment but will reply to your comment by reposting it since you included the hedge fund piece here.

Its part of a push towards privately owned public spaces.... Do you see where this goes? Do you see the connection to privately owned public services and more privatization? It also gives them more control because they do not have to follow the constitution the way the government does. A privately owned public space does not have to protect free speech for example! Facebook is like a privately owned public space. If every free public space disappeared how long do you think private space would remain free? Maybe this place isn't exactly like that but it serves as a good source of propaganda for privatized public spaces.

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WalmartParisHilton t1_j691om6 wrote

No idea about the faith part, but the architectural firm, SANAA, is absolutely mind-boggling. Their other creations are fascinating to look at, and I’m not even someone who really cares about that stuff. But it’s wild.

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WhittlingDan t1_j692299 wrote

Replying to Independent_Source97 (#1,551,741)

I shared this elsewhere but Its part of a long running push towards privately owned public spaces.... Do you see where this goes? Do you see the connection to privately owned public services and more privatization? It also gives them more control because they do not have to follow the constitution the way the government does. A privately owned public space does not have to protect free speech from themselves only the governmentfor example! if thingss dont go how they like they find reasons to shut the public space down such as "cleaning" or 'repaors" that often last until whatever "unrelated" problem they have is solved. Facebook is like a privately owned public space. Religious schools not bound by all the laws that protect people within fully public I.e. government ran schools like most of us attended. If every free public space disappeared how long do you think private space would remain free? Maybe this place isn't exactly like that but it serves as a good source of propaganda for privatized public spaces.

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WhittlingDan t1_j694cul wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,552,349)

We probably subsidize the payroll of many of the rich "benefactors." We subsidize Wal-Mart's payroll already with food stamp assistance and more, the blood sacrifices which are not optional sacrifices have been moved to far away countries after unions caused to much trouble for the owners wallets. Unfortunately for the rich greed knows no bounds and the middle class they created to protect themselves from the guillotine of the exploited poor is shrinking because, as greed knows no bounds, they began consuming that which there ancestors created as protection. They believe their own propaganda.

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champagne_in_a_box t1_j697krs wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,551,976)

It’s actually his wife who built and runs it. I live close by and have been to a few of their fundraisers and events. It’s almost certainly a tax haven, but they actually do good work for human rights keeping slave labor out of construction projects. During Covid, they were the first team to acquire and distribute free PPE to the area. So yeah, it’s a somewhat odd institution, but I’d wager it’s no sketchier than your average church.

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Squaddr t1_j697pvo wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,556,744)

Never saw a show more falsely, misleadingly suspenseful, it was like a never ending blue balls situation, felt so unsatisfying and I ditched after the 3rd episode or so. Worthless entry.

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CassCat OP t1_j69ihdc wrote

Replying to 1papaya-2papaya (#1,558,951)

And the FAQ clearly states that sporting goods are allowed, but no hard balls “that could break the glass”. I’m guessing that taking the side out of their glass serpentine building would result in not being asked back…

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StrikeUsDown t1_j69j13d wrote

Very vague description of what their whole purpose is besides some discussion about modern slavery. Some airy thing about interfaith dialogue. Then you come to reddit and find out it's connected with a Christian church and they have Sunday services for that church.

Maybe there isn't anything overly concerning going on here but it seems a little dishonest if their ultimate goal is to recruit you into the church by luring you in with tea and promises of interfaith dialogue that has no strings attached. At least the Mormons and JWs are honest about their intentions when they knock on your door.

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tofucatskates t1_j69k8a9 wrote

the second one. 😂 so, my band played a music event there over the holidays. totally lovely from start to finish. they fed us insanely delicious food, sent us to the most beautiful green room you could possibly imagine, with fancy teas and comfy furniture, the whole bit. and you would not believe how charming, sweet, and over-the-top helpful everyone was to us! i mean, it got to the point where i said something positive about it to my spouse and she goes, “that’s how they getcha!!!” 💯

honestly i don’t care how gorgeous the grounds are, I CAN’T GO BACK! i’m too susceptible to charm and delicious food and would totally be that person who accidentally joins a cult! 🤣

in all seriousness, the money issue is extremely suspicious and there is much written about this. status: CULT. or tax haven. either way… 🚩

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CroMag84 t1_j69np8w wrote

Oh it’s a cult. Grew up in new Canaan we all knew it was a cult.

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Imstephalee t1_j69pkcb wrote

It’s not a cult, i know multiple people who work/worked there. It’s just a way for rich people to avoid paying taxes. My friend is very alternative and not at all religious and would definitely been very excited if she realized she was working for a cult.

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NiceGirlWhoCanCook t1_j69rf06 wrote

Replying to roundabout_now (#1,557,405)

They ask for ID so that they know who is on-site at all times. It’s for safety. Also i think that was reinforced through their work with to stop child sex trafficking and slavery. They want to be able to lock down and know who is there in an emergency or lost child situation. This is at least what I have gathered from being there. Another note that it is free to enter.

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SuckaMc-69 t1_j69vssu wrote

Wasn’t this from the marriage encounter group of the 70’s??? It was group marriage counciling and family counciling to bring the family dynamic back together?

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LadyStethoscope t1_j6a6t75 wrote

My mom is really into this place, and she's also really into Q, so I think.... Yes. Cult.

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summervin16 t1_j6aeocn wrote

Is this where IBM(?) use to be? There was a park in New Canaan I use to walk at that was cooperate, yet anyone could walk the grounds. I can't remember the exact location or what cooperation owned it. Circa 1994

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bramletabercrombe t1_j6b0kf6 wrote

Replying to jppianoguy (#1,552,314)

Read up on what that scumbag Walton family does with their billions. They use CLATs to shelter their money from taxes.

The basic operation of a CLAT is as follows. The donor gives property to
a trust. The trust then pays the charity a certain amount each year for
a certain number of years. When the trust terminates, the property is
then transferred to the donor's heirs.

This is a modern kingdom. Not only has this scumbag family spent the last 30 years sending all of our manufacturing and trade secrets to communist China but they never had to pay a dime in taxes while they were selling out the U.S.A.

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bramletabercrombe t1_j6b1ccc wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,552,397)

it should be illegal. That's what kings do. One person shouldn't have the power to shape the direction a society leads, that's the job of government. The fact that we let companies skirt antitrust law for generations then allow the heirs of those companies to dictate societal changes is disgusting. If they want to create a charitable trust let THE PEOPLE decide where that money goes and who's name goes on it.

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Adm1ral_ackbar t1_j6b1qkc wrote

It's a tax write off and a nice park to visit not a cult

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bramletabercrombe t1_j6b28ie wrote

Replying to Lost_city (#1,558,974)

I'll assume you never heard Homestead strike. Maybe you would have if he only built 2508 libraries. You see, when you have unlimited wealth you can also buy unlimited PR to whitewash the fact that you were once a mass murderer. No one should have unlimited wealth.

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bramletabercrombe t1_j6b2hse wrote

Replying to WhittlingDan (#1,556,253)

Facebook is it's own nation. In the information age it's the most powerful nation on earth. Listen to Zuckerberg's recent speeches. He sounds like a despot because he knows he owns all he politicians that have any ability to stop him.

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speel t1_j6b8x1f wrote

I almost had a job there but they were unwilling to pay the salary I was looking for. Nice people other wise from my experience.

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chiavidibasso t1_j6bhyix wrote

It was all a way for the rich neighbors to keep the property from being developed. By making it a “church” it became a nonprofit and a tax deduction. I don’t think religious feeling had anything to do with it. It is a gorgeous property and a fantastic building but it was all done for selfish reasons.

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saltydog39 t1_j6bn6p2 wrote

I literally can’t believe this Reddit post. I was there TODAY and thinking the exact same thing. Crazy.

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purpleflagbook t1_j6cssgj wrote

Hi-I live in New Canaan

It’s a rich, highly educated progressive cult.

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as1126 t1_j6cwiw0 wrote

After reading this post, I decided to pay a visit myself. Tickets are free, but you give them a driver's license on your way in, so they get your address, even if you give a fake one when you register for tickets. It's hard to argue with the published mission, it's lots of motherhood and apple pie. We met with an educator who talked about the architecture and the buildings (officially called "volumes"), but when we asked about the ownership, she basically repeated boilerplate language about it being a 503(c) non-profit with global reach, so no specific names are mentioned.

​

On a side note, the trail around the grounds is really muddy now and not well marked in some places (we thought we followed the map, but the trail just sort of disappeared into another property). It's not huge, but it's a nice diversion for a couple of hours. I guess you could plop yourself in the library or commons and use their wifi if you wanted to linger over a cup of (free) tea. There was a piano concert last night, so the main amphitheater was closed for setup, but it's really beautiful, from what we could see from outside.

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nsfdrag t1_j6dx9o4 wrote

Well it's certainly got gorgeous architecture, feels off to me as well though. Maybe I'll check out the seasonal walk on 2/04.

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xiroir t1_j6ejrde wrote

Replying to CassCat (#1,586,370)

Nah it means i have reaaaaally gotten into growing my own mushrooms! Not that my joke is smart!

Speaking of which, i highly recommended entangled life by merlin sheldrake. It will blow your mind.

Like how trees communicate to other trees (avatar way of water style) through mycelium.

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SnowTech t1_j6f4ttz wrote

If you read the FAQ's page it says shouting is not allowed.

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jon_hendry t1_j6fduyi wrote

Probably a way to control the property and make sure nobody else can buy it, without taking on a tax liability.

At some point the billionaire will probably “buy the property back” and do something with it.

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