The Labyrinth and Prayer Garden at Kessler Park UMC

The dream of a Labyrinth and Prayer Garden at Kessler Park UMC is now a beautiful reality, vibrantly witnessing to our faith and inviting the community for prayer and spiritual reflection.

What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths are ancient human symbols known to go back at least 4,000 years and probably much older. The Labyrinth symbol was incorporated into the floors of the great Gothic pilgrimage cathedrals of France in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The most famous extant design, and the one selected for our Labyrinth, is the example in the nave floor of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres outside of Paris, which is now over 800 years old. Today, you will find all types of Labyrinths throughout the Metroplex, as well as across Texas, being used for reflection, meditation, prayer and comfort.

Over the past ten years Labyrinths have undergone a dramatic revival, beginning in churches and now encompassing religious communities of all types, hospitals, health care facilities, spas and retreat centers, schools and universities, public parks, memorials and healing gardens, prisons and even progressive businesses. Many churches in the Dallas area already have Labyrinths, including an outdoor Labyrinth at University Park UMC in Dallas, an indoor Labyrinth at Trinity UMC in Duncanville, and portable Labyrinths on canvas used by Dallas First UMC, Arapaho UMC in Richardson, and other Methodist congregations. Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas recently constructed a striking outdoor Labyrinth. A particularly beautiful Labyrinth after the pattern of Chartres Cathedral can be found in the narthex of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration at Hillcrest and Spring Valley in Dallas, where a number of our members have walked and prayed in the past several years.

What a Labyrinth is and is not…
Unlike a maze, a Labyrinth is not a puzzle and does not have dead ends. Robert Ferre', current day labyrinth maker, describes it simply as 'a path with a purpose.' Others have described it as a metaphor for life, or a representation of the journey inward to our true selves and back out into the everyday world.

Entry with Engraved Pavers
Where did the two stones at the entrance to our Labyrinth come from?
The first stone, from Robben Island (near Cape Town, South Africa) was a gift of Rev. John Thornburg in Fall, 2003. Robben Island was the site of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment from 1964-1982, and has become a powerful reminder of the need for peace and justice throughout the world. The stone symbolizes our need to work for peace and justice while also remaining rooted and centered in prayer.

The second stone, from the Gangitis River at Philippi, was a gift of Dr. and Mrs. Ted and Nell Boone, following their visit there. This river is significant because it is the traditional site of Lydia’s baptism (see Acts 16:11-15) and of the first Christian baptisms in Europe. This stone reminds Christians who walk the Labyrinth to “Remember your baptism, and be thankful.”

Why walk a Labyrinth?
To pray Personal and spiritual growth To get clarity
To be in the present moment To feel inner peace
To calm your nerves To grieve To be refreshed
To remember To celebrate To explore To connect To …


Completed Labyrinth and Prayer Garden
The Gift of an Engraved Pavestone: Not just for a Season but for a Century!

The First Engraved Pavestones Completed

The Labyrinth was initiated as a result of Rev. Linda McLemore’s vision and hard work in 2003. From the beginning, Jeff Chandler proved instrumental in coordinating the project and generating support both from church members and in the larger community. Jeff continues to oversee Labyrinth-related ministries on behalf of Kessler Park UMC, and to provide training for interested groups. The Labyrinth was constructed in late 2004 under the direction of David Tolzmann of The Labyrinth Company, and officially dedicated by Bishop Rhymes Moncure of the North Texas Conference United Methodist Church, on March 19, 2005. The generosity of Ron and Marie Nichols and Nichols General Contracting made possible the design and construction of a fine retaining wall to enhance and better preserve the project, along with related work on irrigation and drainage, landscaping, and electrical. Meredyth Petree designed and installed the landscaping. David Carapetyan, a friend of our church, is providing appropriate signage to be installed soon.

The approximately $30,000 basic construction cost of the Labyrinth Project was underwritten entirely from the engraved pavestones which form a walkway from the west sidewalk to the actual Labyrinth, along with five benches which were given:
in honor of Jeff Chandler
in memory of Darwin Gaines, from his many friends
in memory of Fern and Glenn Giles, from their children
in honor of Dr. Arvel and Charlotte Haley, from their loving family
in honor of Nancy Zarella, from family and friends

Costs associated with the additional work done by Ron Nichols, along with future amenities and maintenance, are to be funded out of continuing sales of engraved pavestones.

As donations are received, more engraved pavestones leading to the benches will be installed. In addition, a new Wedding Walkway will lead from the top of the labyrinth to the east sidewalk, to be constructed with pavestones listing the names and wedding dates of couples married at Kessler Park UMC – past, present or future!

Each $250 pavestone may be engraved with two lines (combination of large/small print) or one line (large print). You are invited to pick up a brochure at the church with additional information, and to share these brochures with family members, friends and neighbors, and your employer or favorite business. Each brochure has an order/donation form attached. Checks should be made payable to Kessler Park UMC—Labyrinth Project. For more details or if you have questions, please contact Jeff Chandler at 214.334.8602, or the church office. 214.942.0098.

Click here to open a printable form.


Construction Begins

Construction Progresses

Some of our Guests
Labyrinth Center Looking North