Spring hadn't quite arrived ("It snowed the following week") but St Columba's minister Daniel Meister had no hesitation in leading his congregation out of doors for the second half of the service.
It was an act of dedication - dedication of the overgrown scrappy piece of land at the back of the church which most of the congregation hadn't seen for years - and for good reason. The walls of the church had been sprayed with graffiti, and evidence of vandalism was all around.
But now security fencing was in place, and it was time to make a new beginning by using the site as a resource both for the church and the surrounding community. Speaking to the Teesside Evening Gazette, Daniel explained
"We want a garden for members of the church and the local community to enjoy and use for reflection. Unlike a maze, which is there to confuse people and lead them down wrong paths, this Celtic labyrinth will be a safe and engaging garden for people to explore their own spirituality with no strings attached."
Since that Sunday in February church members have been working hard on the site. A contractor has painted the walls which are now ready to hold a number of substantantial boards being prepared by a local artist that will serve as "stations" in the labyrinth. The pathway has been laid and box hedging planted. In the centre a water freature will shortly be installed to add to the sense of peace and serenity.
As well as being a resource for church and community, the labyrinth project will be part of a doctor of ministry degree that Daniel is presently undertaking at Drew University, New Jersey as part of his continuing ministerial education.
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Daniel Mesiter points out the water feature site |
The hurts of the world |
The themes of St Columba |
Visit the on-line labyrinth