Just across the street from St. James United Methodist Church on the corner of North Vermilion and Williams sits a circular slab of concrete with an intricate design painted on it. Beyond being a beautifully constructed piece of unique art, designed by world-renowned artisan John E. Ridder of Paxworks, it’s a place for any and all to come for a moment of peace.
“Walking the Labyrinth is a form of walking meditation. There’s only one path in and the same path out. You retrace your steps on the way out. There are no dead ends. This is not a maze,” said Beth Fender, Coordinator of Ministerial Excellence for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church.
There are many benefits to walking a labyrinth, according to Fender.
“Walking the Labyrinth integrates the body with the mind, and the mind with the spirit.” said Fender. “It also encourages balance, it encourages meditation and insight. It can help you to clear your mind and resolve any questions that may have been troubling you. It can also be a form of celebration. It reduces stress and it quiets the mind. As you can tell, there are a variety of benefits to this.”
The Community Labyrinth, which was dedicated by members of the public and the team of people who planned, designed, built, and supported the creation of the labyrinth, is the product of a full-year of collaboration between members of the Community Labyrinth team, St. James United Methodist Church, Roger Frick, Ridder, Claypool Excavating, and a whole team of others who supported the project from start to finish, according to Ann Wagle, the Chair of the Community Labyrinth team.
“I believe John was the absolute perfect choice for this work. I was here for each step of the process from excavation through pouring the cement, in every step of this geometric design you see in front of you. It was amazing — the measurements, the drawing with the Sharpies, the 45-speed record, the weights, the lines, truly a geometric phenomenon,” said Wagle.
“This journey has had many twists and turns, kind of like walking the labyrinth, and I think that this way will continue and I am thankful for that,” Wagle said. “The unknowns are a big part of the adventure and the meaning of life, right?”
As the dedication ceremony continued, community members joined veterans from the VA’s music therapy program in a drumming circle, led by Angelika Hustedt.
“I think music is very powerful anyway, but especially to bring you to your spirituality, whatever that may be, and to the Earth,” says Hustedt, who runs the music therapy program at the VA.
“Labyrinths are non-denominational and cross-cultural. They have been found over the last 5,000 years or so in everything from Native American culture and Celtic culture, to all kinds of religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, in all times and places around the world,” Fender said.
Ridder, who has been creating labyrinths since 1995 — including one for the 2002 Winter Olympics — says labyrinths hold a special interest for him.
“It’s the mystery in the design. It’s not just a spiral, so there’s a mystery in the design which takes you out of your mind and into your spirit as you walk,” says Ridder.
“I am happy with it. It’s one of my favorites out of all the hundreds of labyrinths I’ve made. This one is special. And it’s special because this church is special. This church has special people and special ministries,” said Ridder, who lives in Indianapolis and came out of retirement to make the Community Labyrinth.
The Community Labyrinth, which sits on the corner of Walnut and Williams Streets, is open to the public.