There are a few things in the lives of the Headstoners that really create that moment where a large choir dressed in ornate robes steps out from some unknown hammerspace and begins a rousing sustained note of biblical proportions, but getting to visit the inside of Green Lawn Abbey was one of those.

Green Lawn Abbey -- Dec. 27, 2008

While we had been to the massive Green Lawn Cemetery independently over the years, that first time we pulled down Greenlawn Avenue together in the late summer of 2003, we knew someday we’d have to get in and see the abbey. However, we’re what I call sensible (Megan calls it scared) and seeing as I get caught every time I do something I shouldn’t, we knew better than to attempt to gain access. Once we did pull up through the beautiful circular driveway, but that was scary enough for me.

The Headstoners pose Oct. 24 in front of historic Green Lawn Abbey in Columbus before taking part in the Tales from the Crypt program.

Though we drove by at later dates and saw the doors open, we did no more than dare to snap a picture (that I can’t even find now). Then slowly the security grew tighter and alarms were installed and it really became out of the question–rightfully and thankfully so.

Thus the reason we pounced (almost literally) on the opportunity to tour it as part of the fantastic Tales from the Crypt program put on Oct. 24 by the Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Society. The best part being we not only finally got to see the inside of that haunting structure, but we also got to meet several of its residents live and in person. They even came to visit in their own clothing and agreed to share their stories. Very nice of them!

I wish I had pictures of the inside, which was even prettier and imposing than we expected, but the sad reality is that while some people like us simply want to marvel at the fixtures without touching, others are simply looking to make a buck and are willing to take advantage of anyone and everyone. Our visit was within days of the disturbing theft of several of the bronze gates from inside, the second in about a week, so no pictures were allowed to be taken inside as they were trying to keep updated photos off the Internet. Of course, we were about the only people who actually listened to this rule… so maybe you can find some. No respect anymore, I tell you. Thankfully some of them were later found when the thief tried to sell them at a pawn shop.

Over all, it was a great experience! It was everything we had hoped for and more. The preservation society is doing really good work, and one of these days we will become unlazy enough (or unbusy… plus, living an hour from Columbus doesn’t help) to actually join and start helping. There’s been a lot of work to fix it up that is still continuing, which is why they are actively trying to recruit even more people. They’ve planned the second annual membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Banana Bean Cafe, 340 Greenlawn Ave., Columbus, which is across from Berliner Park. As of now we can’t make it, but would love as many readers as possible to go. They recommend arriving before 6 to order food and drinks from the cafe that features soup, salad and sandwiches.  The meeting is basically to hear about what happened in 2009 and the goals for 2010, and a chance to sign up for committees and programs. Reservations are requested to greenlawnabbey@aol.com. You can also visit http://www.greenlawnabbey.org/ for more information as well as pictures of both the outside and inside during the day.

Other than that, please do like the picture says and stay the heck out! There is nothing that justifies theft, especially from a historic place such as this. You can see the rest of our pictures from the trip at our photo site: http://headstoner.shutterfly.com/558.