History Center

Welcome to Koinonia Writings!

While some may call this our blog, it’s more than that—it’s a collection of reflections, stories, and insights divided into various categories. These writings span both the past and present, authored by voices that have shaped Koinonia Farm over the course of more than eight decades.

Some categories, like Oral History, represent a growing archive of stories from Koinonia’s rich history. We’ve been here for over 80 years, and countless stories are still waiting to be told.

Brief Thoughts from Bren is the most current category, with a new post each month in our e-newsletter, Koinonia Briefly. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can sign up right on our homepage.

Another fascinating section is Peacemakers, where each post is dedicated to one of the inspiring figures after whom our guest rooms are named. We share a picture and a short biography—a meaningful read for anyone interested in justice and reconciliation.

We hope you’ll find something that resonates with you in these writings and that you’ll return often to explore more.

In Memory of Our Friend, President Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter was the same person under the glaring lights of politics as he was in the streetlight's soft glow of his hometown of Plains—a good and decent man who lived with integrity. When others boycotted Koinonia, he stood by us. Later, he and Mrs. Carter rolled up their sleeves to build homes. His life was a testament to faith, service, and peacemaking.

Geraldine Abbott Oral History

Geraldine (Jeri) Abbott speaks briefly at devotions about Florence Jordan and Koinonia, March 2006

Bren Dubay
June 22, 2017

Joseph Jones Oral History

Joe Jones visited Koinonia as a pre-teen and youth, often with his cousin, Collins McGee. Collins McGee was an African-American friend of Koinonia.

Koinonia Memories from Ms. Georgia Solomon

I met Ms. Georgia Solomon one rainy day when I was working in the Koinonia welcome center and gift store. The phone wasn't ringing, and nobody was coming by—I was bored! Then Georgia walked in, took a seat in one of the chairs and, almost unbidden, began telling me about her life.