An Ancient Art Finding New Fans

Ray Welch (left) James Tower (right) creating a fuller (valley) to separate the head from the cheeks. Tower is controlling​ the piece with a drift.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The grounds at Nelson Pioneer Farm echoed with an old fashioned sound, that of metal being hammered into shape in the old blacksmith shop.

A blacksmith is someone who can repair or make things from iron and during medieval times, was considered to be a part of the seven mechanical arts.

The interest in handcrafted goods has been making a steady increase in recent years, as people take up nearly-lost arts as a way to step away from technology and reconnect with making something with your hands.

Television shows like the History Channel’s ‘Forged in Fire’ has helped to drive interest in the blacksmith craft.

James Tower developed an interest in the ancient art of blacksmithing and has spent time developing his own forge and gaining experience with different techniques used in the craft.

Tower has heard several people comment that they too would like to learn about blacksmithing.

Tower, who is the pastor at College Avenue Friends Church, decided that sharing his love of the forge was a good way to share with others.

“It’s a lot of work,” says Tower of putting hammer to steel. “It’s good therapy. You work out your frustrations.”

Every fourth Saturday of the month, Tower invites those interested in learning more about blacksmithing to come and share in the experience with others; it starts at 10:00 am.

Tower also hosts an evening of blacksmithing, called Forgiven Forge, and this is made up of self-taught blacksmiths. They meet once a month at Tower’s residence. Each meeting will start with a short devotion related to metalwork.

If you want to learn more about either of these blacksmith opportunities, you can email Tower at james@cafchurch.org