After our new worship space was completed in 2000, we were left with a gravel
courtyard between the church and the hall, a sheltered site perfect for a
Memorial Garden. Our Memorial Garden Committee wanted to make the best possible
use of this area. We wanted it to be beautiful, functional and low maintenance.
Tracy
Stuchbery, wife of our Rector Mike Stuchbery, came up with the idea of a
labyrinth, having previously enjoyed walking the outdoor labyrinth at
Emanuella
House of Prayer in Winfield, British Columbia, 35 km east of Kelowna.
Labyrinths are very old shapes and symbols found all over the world and in many
different cultures. A labyrinth is a one-way path; it is not a maze.
The path leads into the centre and then is followed back to the beginning.
For many of us walking the labyrinth symbolizes our life's journey with God.
It can be very calming. The walk itself is a form of prayer.
We
hired local stone-mason Mark Cormier to build the north end of the garden and
the labyrinth. The building of the labyrinth proved to be a challenging
job but turned out beautifully. It is made out of red and grey paving
stones and we have been assured that it is guaranteed for sixty years!
Wednesday
June 9th was a very special evening of celebration at the Parish of
St. John the Divine in Squamish. It began with the Sunday School children
playing games and running races for the wind-up event of the year. Bishop
Michael Ingham then led us all in a special service of Blessing the Memorial
Garden and Labyrinth.
Nick
Tattersfield and the rest of our dedicated committee built the south end of the
garden, fish pond and waterfall, complete with a hidden barbecue behind the
garden. Our new garden is a peaceful place where we can feel close to God;
we can have our loved ones' ashes interred; we can sit and remember; we can
quietly walk the labyrinth and listen to the water; we can enjoy our morning
coffee time together or a meal cooked on the barbecue.
