Ghost Hunt: Howard County Historical Museum: PART 1

Welcome sign

This weekend I joined the Inspired Ghost-Tracking group of Odenton, Md. for a ghost investigation at the Howard County Historical Museum in old Ellicott City. The museum is located in an old church that sits atop a hill looking over downtown, historic Main Street. Old Ellicott City was founded in the late 1700s by the Ellicott Brothers from Pennsylvania - who opened three mills. The town, which became the site of the first passenger railway station for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, became very popular during the Civil War. It is extremely haunted because two rivers run through it, and the water energy keeps the ghosts powered up.  

Inside the church part of the museum

 -  In my book "Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium" (paperback, e-book, kindle), I wrote about several ghostly encounters I had in various buildings throughout the city. This was my first time in this building, far removed from the Main Street.

 - I'm breaking this down into several different blogs because there would be too much to read. 

  ENTRY 1: When I initially walked into the building I felt nothing. Usually I get a headache in the back of my head whenever there's a ghost or a spirit (who crossed into the light) present. I walked through the entry way and first room. When I got to the doorway on the left, that led into the small church (the room I first walked through was for a reception area outside of the worship area) I DID get a headache. 

 - Because ghosts and spirits are energy, they overload the electrical impulses in my brain and give me a headache. 

 - So, something was there- either residual (emotional energy attached to something) or an intelligent haunt, where ghosts can respond and answer questions. I sensed a more residual presence. 

  - My friend Troy was with us, and he's also a developing medium. Often, he and I sense the same things and compare notes to later find out we met the same entity.

 Troy also sensed a male presence in the back left corner of the church after walking through that doorway where I got my headache. We both felt that the energy was residual.

Stained glass window at back of bldg of 2 angels

   As we went into the church area, we also sensed a female energy and were drawn to one old wooden chair with broken spokes.

  It wasn't until we got to another piece of furniture that we really got something interesting. 

  WATCH FOR THAT IN PART 2.

AFTERLIFE- Is there a Hell?

   An  Op-Ed in USA today addressed the belief in Hell. I found it fascinating because up until the time I started being able to communicate with those who passed, I firmly believed in Hell. Once I started communicating, and understanding what happens, I realized that there really is no "place" called Hell. I'm sure that's very disconcerting for a lot of people, especially because of what the Bible says. But even in this Op-Ed, Hell is explained as a concept that is mis-understood from the Bible.

 - SO, what happens to murderers, criminals and evil people when they die? My experience is that they linger in a state outside of the light- a "phantom zone" if you will, where they receive an immediate recognition of the horrendous things they did during their lives. A place where they can spend a long time (something we wouldn't be able to comprehend) trying to atone for their sins. Hoping for forgiveness from those left behind.

Ghosts are an example of that. Ghosts are earth-bound energies that are trapped on earth for various reasons. So, why is that "Hell" being trapped out of the light? Because all of your loved ones are IN THE LIGHT.

Think about it. Being trapped as an earth-bound ghost or an energy unable to go into the light to be with all of your loved ones is torturous. Isolationism as a human being is torture, as it is for a ghost or spirit. THAT is my understanding of Hell.
 *****************************************
AUTHOR OF THE USA TODAY OP-ED THAT FOLLOWS:  Oliver Thomas is a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors and author of 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You (But Can't Because He Needs the Job).

 FROM USA TODAY:   Should believers fear Hell — and God?

FULL STORY: http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2011-08-07-love-wins-afterlife-hell_n.htm?csp=Dailybriefing 

The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans all had elaborate beliefs about the afterlife. We're no different. Right now, a book is burning through America's churches that has put the issue back front and center for many. The book —Love Wins— by Rob Bell challenges the traditional Christian belief in a place of eternal punishment. Damnation.

Most Americans still believe in hell. A 2009 poll by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life put the number at 59%. A 2005 Fox News poll put it at 74%!

Ask these folks why they cling to such a decidedly medieval notion, and they will tell you: Because the Bible teaches it! And if we're talking about the King James Bible, they are right — at least on the surface. But dig into the languages in which the Bible was actually written — Greek and Hebrew — and things get murky.

Nowhere in the Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament) is the abode of the dead described as a place of eternal punishment. Rather, "Sheol" as it is sometimes called, appears as a shadowy, dreamlike place where all people — good and evil — are destined.

One Old Testament writer has this to say: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might for there is no activity or planning or wisdom in Sheol where you are going." Not my idea of a Shangri-La, but certainly better than everlasting fire.

Even Jesus gets misquoted here. Clearly, Jesus taught that there would be a day of reckoning. In the 25th chapter of Matthew's Gospel, he paints a disturbing picture of it. "I was hungry and you didn't feed me. Naked and you didn't clothe me."

But the Greek word that is often translated "eternal" (aionos) — whether it is used to describe punishment or life — is better understood as a word of quality, not quantity. Punishment is only "eternal" (in the way that Americans understand that word) in the sense that it could be final.

Not what Jesus meant

Nearly every reference to "hell" that comes from the lips of Jesus is a mistranslation.

The word translated as hell by the King James Bible is the word "Gehenna," literally "the valley of the sons of Hinnom." This notorious valley on the south side of Jerusalem was once the site of pagan sacrifices, including child sacrifice, and had been cursed by the prophets of Israel. By Jesus' day, it served as the garbage dump. It was a foul, noxious place where dogs roamed and fires burned. Jesus seized upon this vivid imagery in his sermons. He urged people to repent (literally "change your mind"), lest they end up in Gehenna (i.e. the garbage dump).

Guesting on the: Unknown Paranormal Radio Sunday, July 31 9:15pmEDT

I'm going to be a guest on the Unknown Paranormal Radio show this Sunday, July 31 at 9:15 p.m. EDT. The show starts at 8pm EDT, so please tune in.Join Host Kevin Weddle, Founder of Unknown Paranormal, along with Co-Host, Jeff Stirl for an evening discussing all realms of paranormal and spirituality. 

TO LISTEN LIVE: 

• http://www.unknownpg.com
• http://www.twitter.com/unknownpg2010
• http://www.facebook.com/casperspirit

We'll be discussing my book, "Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium," and how science explains the presence and behavior of both ghosts and spirits!

My Interesting Conversation on Amazon.com about a Medium

 Here's a blog conversation I participated in when I saw a review of a Medium's book (that I haven't read, and I don't know him). The woman who suffered a terrible tragedy seemed to want the medium to tell her a lot about her husband and son who passed. That's not how it works. Further, someone who totally misinterprets the Bible wrote that he thinks Mediums convey messages from evil beings. That really got to me. Here's the conversation:

This review is from: We Don't Die (Paperback)

REVIEW FROM T:   I first read the earlier edition of "We Don't Die" around 1996. It was my favorite book and I recommended it to everyone. I swore that if anything happened to someone I loved I would find a way to get a reading with George. I was so convinced he was the real thing. Then tragedy struck in the summer of 1998 when both my husband and son died just a few weeks apart. I contacted George's office right away.

"T" said that she got a reading from George but he didn't acknowledge her son and the things that he said "could've been looked up on public record." Below is my response, and one that really irritated me because of the person's ignorance and misuse of the Bible. - Rob  

Your post: Jun 23, 2011 4:57:56 AM PDT

Robert J. Gutro says:

I'm sorry for your loss. Perhaps he did access public records and if so, should have told you. However, if he did, he would've known you had a child, though. I see that people expect a lot from mediums as if they were having a direct, full conversation with someone who passed.
Maybe I can shed some light on things for you. I have the gift (that I don't fully know how to use) of sometimes receiving and sensing communications from those who passed. It's not like having a conversation with a living person. Sometimes mediums will get images, scattered words or pictures and try to piece them together. They'll share them with the person they're intended for and they will have to figure out the messages. I'm not a medium (I call myself a "medium rare" because I can't just call on spirits, they come to me when they do) but I will tell you that your husband and son are aware of what you're going through and come back time to time to visit you. You need to understand that energy (the soul, brainwaves) cannot be destroyed only transformed. It's a scientific fact. *because I'm a scientist, too, I try using science to explain why our loved ones are still around you. There's a posting on a blog I maintain http://ghostsandspiritsinsights.blogspot.com/ (yes, I wrote a book about what it's like for an average guy to get these messages)- on June 14 about a program on the Discovery Channel that you may want to watch on-line. It's called Discovery Channel Program: Scientific Look at Tracking Souls to the Afterlife.
I'd be happy to try and help comfort you, and refer you to a proven medium named Barb Mallon in Virginia. She's given readings to several people I know and told them only things THEY know. I assure you she's genuinely talented and learned. Sincerely, Rob

Edit this post | Permalink

---

Posted on Jun 23, 2011 7:31:55 AM PDT

D. Davidson says:

First let me say I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband and son. Everyone has a right to believe what they wish to believe, and I don't know what your religious beliefs are. It says in the Bible to beware of people who claim to be mediums, channelers or prophets. From this and other sources I've learned that when we die, we are with God. God may comfort us by allowing us to hear from our loved ones at some point in our lives, or he may have reasons why He doesn't. But He does not need a medium to do so. I truly believe that evil spirits exist who may come through these mediums and give us messages that are misleading. The best way to find comfort is to pray and ask God directly for it. I will keep you in my prayers and I hope you find the comfort you need.

You replied with a later post

Reply to this post

Permalink | Report abuse | Ignore this customer
1 of 1 people think this post adds to the discussion. Do you?  

---

Your post, in reply to an earlier post on Jun 23, 2011 9:15:04 AM PDT

Robert J. Gutro says:

Dear D. Davidson- The Bible has been altered over time, and many things have been removed from it including the idea of reincarnation. I urge you to research the history of the Bible before making judgements. Even the Vatican employs a medium. On occasion I have personally have received messages from people who have passed about things I have no knowledge of, and have shared them to comfort people (which they have). It's all for good. There's nothing evil about it. This is a God-given gift and has nothing to do with evil.
Unfortunately, out of ignorance people use their Bible as a way to create fear, division and hatred toward others over something they don't understand. It is unfortunate that your faith has blinded you to other gifts from God.

Edit this post | Permalink

---

2 new posts since your last visit

In reply to your post on Jun 23, 2011 9:46:18 AM PDT

Ellzeena says:

THANK you. Excellent point and well made. When I hear the bible being misquoted/misinterpreted, especially in terms of "communication with the dead", I respond "WHAT ABOUT PRAYING TO THE SAINTS? THEY'RE DEAD, AREN'T THEY?" I, too, have the "gift" (but I do not use it) and I understand your original post about sifting through "images" and "random thoughts". As one does it, one gets better at it. IF the result of communicating with a deceased loved one is JOY and giving God PRAISE for keeping our loved one in His care, HOW can that serve Satan? It can't.

Reply to this post

Permalink | Report abuse | Ignore this customer
Do you think this post adds to the discussion?  

---

In reply to your post on Jun 23, 2011 10:19:52 AM PDT

A. Sacks says:

Regarding R.Gutro's & Ellzeena's post: AMEN! It took a long time for me to realize how the Bible has been misused by so many-in particular to intimidate and manipulate people into doing or believing things that are simply not true or even against what God may have intended. It's misuse has closed far too many minds to what beautiful things may be possible for us. Not that I buy into all of this, but my mind remains OPEN.

Join Me at a Rare (and Inexpensive) Medium Event with Barb Mallon

**COME JOIN ME***  If you want to experience the talents of a learned Medium, hope to communicate with a loved one that has passed and are fascinated with how mediums get messages from those who have passed- our friend Barb Mallon is hosting a demonstration (limited to 35 people) in Chantilly, Virginia on Saturday night, July 16.

Barb Mallon

 *We'll be there, too, and whenever I get messages I pass them along. Last time I was there an infant, who died, provided me with messages -long story-and the women related to the little girl were in the audience and confirmed what I was saying. - The time before that a Chihuahua came through and gave me his name, told me who he was connected to and more. (just ask). 

Here are the details, and you need to purchase tickets in ADVANCE. (they're $35 on line, and $40 at the door).  - Normally INDIVIDUAL READINGS CAN BE $100! - This is a great opportunity.  ***WHEN: JULY 16,2011 from 6-8pm  WHAT:  Barb Mallon's Mediumship Demonstration. Space fills up QUICKLY.  Saturday, July 16 from 6-8pm at the Wyngate Hotel, Chantilly, Virginia (accessible from the Dulles Toll Road and I-66) To order tickets: http://julymediumshipdemo.eventbrite.com/

Book: Ghosts on Film

I read a lot of books about the paranormal, trying to always learn more and get different people's understandings. I recently finished "GHOSTS ON FILM" by Troy Taylor. Troy has written a number of other paranormal books (which I haven't read yet).

  I found this book to be helpful, especially in terms of defining orbs and explaining how photography works in reference to the supernatural. The first section of the book went into a detailed history of photography to give an understanding of how it works. I started getting lost in the details there, however, and skimmed through the book until I got to the chapters on photographing entities. 

  Troy did provide extensive research on how early photographers tried to scam people with trick photographs of supposed entities. He also provided early photos that were scammed. 

  He also brings up Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the great Sherlock Holmes novels and a supporter of mediumship. I didn't know that!

  In short, I found this book educational and interesting, and would recommend it to any ghost hunter!
BOOK SUMMARY FROM THE PUBLISHER: Author and ghost researcher Troy Taylor once again delves into the supernatural with a guide to the history and mystery of spirit photography. In this latest installment in the popular “Haunted Field Guide” series, the author takes an in-depth look at the controversial and mysterious history of spirit photography, including a look at the mediums and scientists who pioneered the field and the most famous pictures that allege to be ghosts captured on film.

Audience Response to my Recent Talk about Experiences in 3 Maryland Mansions

• In order to get to know me a little better, I thought I'd share these audience reactions from my talk at Inspired Ghost Trackers in Odenton, Md. They're a great group of folks. There were 45 people there on June 10th, and it was a fun night.
  
  
  REACTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE TO MY TALK ABOUT THREE HISTORIC MANSIONS IN MARYLAND. About the evening:  Rob joined our group after coming to us as a guest speaker about his book "Ghost and Spirits: Insight from a Medium". Rob is joining us tonight about some of our tours we have gone on.  He will be speaking about his experiences at Montpelier Mansion, Riversdale Mansion, and Sotterly Plantation.  We will also show a slide of pictures from all of the locations. Rob will have his book if anyone is interested in it and can see him at breaks or after the lecture.  More Info about Inspired Ghost Trackers: http://www.meetup.com/inspiredghosttracking/
   
  Margaret (+4)

  Founder/ Lead Investigator, Organizer

  Rob is a great guy and did a fantastic lecture on the places we had visit. He kept asking for other peoples opinions which I thought was a benefit to him. He picked up on a lot of things at all the locations and validated them with Troy and others in the group. I would have Rob back anytime, as the group really loved him.
• 
  Julie (+1)

  Researcher/Lead Investigator, Assistant Organizer

  I really enjoyed this Meetup. There was alot of group participation and Rob was very comfortable being the speaker at this meeting. Very enjoyable and informative even though I did not join IGT during the actual three house tours.
• 
  Cheryl Lipscomb

  Treasurer/Investigator, Assistant Organizer
• 
  Rob Gutro (+5)

  Medium

  I had a fantastic time talking about my experiences in the 3 Maryland mansions, with help from Margaret, Ronda and Troy! It was a fun presentation and the audience was wonderful.
• 
  James R. Collette

  Investigator

  I am certainly fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and listen to Rob. I am almost finished with his book and will be looking forward to his next publication. Anytime you can have Rob back to speak with us please let me know.
• 
  Kathleen Schueler

  Investigator

  I thought this was an excellent meet-up with Rob. Very interesting. I learned a few more tips, which, explained my experiences on our Ghost hunts. What seemed to be the best news out of all this for me is how Rob advised Ghosts needs to be helped in crossing over. This is so true. I just can't understand why so many people who does this type of work, don't help the ghost cross. Maybe Rob can do (if he wouldn't mind), a lesson on teaching people how to cross over these lost souls? Just a thought :) Again, I enjoyed our meet-up and I hope Rob comes back again to speak at our group meeting?
• 
  Nancy Turner

  Psychic/Lead Investigator

  The talk was very good. He is very good and a great speaker. Iloved it
• 
  Janet Barlow

  Investigator

  Rob is awesome! He is really informative and helpful.

Happy Father's Day to Dads on Earth and Those Who Have Passed

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. 

Even though my dad is on the "other side" of life that was the first thing I said (to him) when I got up this morning. 

Even if your dad has passed, he can still hear you- so tell him hello and let him know how thankful you are for him (or that you forgive him if he wasn't a good father during his lifetime on Earth- which he now knows).  Regardless, wishing all dads a great day.

 DID YOU KNOW ITS ORIGIN? Father's Day in the United States is on the third Sunday of June. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children's lives. Its origins may lie in a memorial service held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907.

Discovery Channel Program: Scientific Look at Tracking Souls to the Afterlife

The Discovery Channel program called "Through the Wormhole," hosted by Morgan Freeman has a very interesting episode called "Tracking Souls to the Afterlife." Looks like a very interesting program.
 - As a scientist myself, I believe that the energy within us has to go somewhere when we die. For energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed. That's when we choose to remain earth-bound as a ghost (which we will later regret and try to move into the light), or just move into the light and become a spirit.
  I'm always looking for more scientific evidence. This is worth watching.

Next Appearance in Maryland: Talking about 3 Historic Mansions

Riversdale Mansion: This is ONE of the haunted rooms.

Montpelier Mansion: A gentleman Ghost haunts this roo

Local Medium Gives FREE Talk about Hauntings in Local Historic Mansions

 DETAILS: http://patch.com/E-gcNZ

• Where: Inspired Journeys, 1350 Blair Dr Ste E, Odenton, MD 21113
• Date: June 10, 2011
• Time: 7:00pm–8:30pm

• • Where: Inspired Journeys 1350 Blair Dr, Odenton, MD 21113
  • Date: June 10, 2011
  • Time: 7:00pm–8:30pm

  • Local medium and author Rob Gutro will be giving a FREE talk at Inspired Ghost Trackers Odenton, Md. He'll be talking about my experiences with the Inspired trackers at Montpelier Mansion, Riversdale Mansion, and Sotterly Plantation. Includes a slideshow of pictures from all locations. Speaker will have some copies of books to sign afterward.
    REGISTER TO GET A SEAT (FREE)  Contact Email: inspiredghst@aol.com
    Contact Url: http://www.meetup.com/inspiredghosttracking/events/16748804/
    
  • Features: Open to All

  

  Rob's book: "Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium"  available on Kindle, NOOK, Amazon, Barnes and Noble (and in-stores).

  
  

  • Website: http://www.meetup.com/inspiredghosttracking/events/16748804/
  • Phone: 443-396-1282
  • Email: inspiredghst@aol.com

  • Price: FREE
• Features: Open to All