Monthly Sweat Lodge

Please note: There is no 1st Saturday Sweat Lodge in April because there is an Easter Sweat Lodge on Easter Sunday, April 5. The Saturday Sweat Lodge is on the 2nd Saturday in April. 

Call Teresa McKee, Sweat Lodge Coordinator, 865-775-0778 for information on lodges.

The fire usually starts at 10:00am.

It is suggested that you arrive near this time so that you can help prepare for the lodge; physically, mentally and spiritually.

A potluck luncheon follows the lodge. Please bring a side dish, a salad, or a dessert to share. 

Purification & Prayer Lodge

A sweat lodge, or a stone people’s lodge, can be an intensely rewarding experience. By entering the mother’s womb (the lodge), we seek purification and a deeper spiritual awareness through prayer.

Generally speaking the experience is to deepen spiritual awareness. The steam, heat, and darkness help intensify and hold our prayers and add to our personal introspection.

The lodge leader (pourer), with help from the fire tender, hold an energetic space of safety and security while setting the intent of the lodge. The medicine of the lodge leader and of each participant helps to enrich the lessons of the lodge.

Dress - Read More Here - Sweat Lodge Guidelines

Please dress modestly for this ceremony.  All participants must  remain fully clothed at all times; no nudity is permitted in the sweat  lodge. Wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the chest,  midsection, and lower body.  For example: long skirts, dresses, sarongs,  wrap skirts over loose pants or leggings.  This paired with a shirt or  top that stays on throughout the ceremony.  You may change clothes in the composting toilets or the Sound Peace Chamber.

Health & Safety 

Please read Sweat Lodge Guidelines concerning health and safety issues.

Composting toilets are located near the meadow, arbor, and Sound Peace Chamber. 

If you have questions on the day of the lodge, you can ask the lodge pourer or fire tender. 

Two towels (one to bring into the lodge and one for after the lodge)

A change of clothes

Food to share for the potluck

It is appropriate and optional to gift the lodge pourer and/or the fire-tender with small offerings such as tobacco, money, or other gift

Leaving the driveway at the Center, turn right on Graves-Delozier Road. At the first right (a paved road), drive down the hill. Please park in the meadow. The sweat lodge is in the north end of the meadow.

The Center for Peace is a non-profit organization that is blessed to continue based on the donations of members and those who attend its functions. Donations are used to support the sweat lodge. A cord of wood, for example, costs more than $200. We use lots of wood for the fire as well as supplies like herbs (sage, tobacco, cornmeal, etc.), drinking water, sweetgrass, and more. Donations are always appreciated. There is never a charge for this ceremony. If you are not feeling abundant, please don't allow this to prevent you from coming.  If you have no idea what would be appropriate to give, we suggest $20, although less, more, an item, and/or a prayer is also be very much appreciated.

Upcoming 2026 Lodges (check back for changes and additions)

Easter, April 5: Pourer, Teresa McKee   Fire Tender, Colby McLemore and Liz Kennedy

April 11: Pourer, Brenda Sue Whitmire   Fire Tender, Dennis Ogle  

May 2: Pourer, Teresa Hutson   Fire Tender, Teresa McKee