Peace be with you as you walk

The Trinity Episcopal Church in Independence is nearing its 165th year.

Boy Scout Troop 282 has called the church home for 60 years.

“The church and the troop have a long history,” said the Rev. Sam Mason of the Trinity Episcopal Church.

Perhaps it’s fitting the two would join together for an addition unlike any other.

It’s coined “the labyrinth,” and it snakes alongside the church as a “cool spiritual tool,” Mason said. It was spearheaded by Chris Mays, a Fort Osage student who claimed it as his Eagle project for Troop 282. It was completed in early August.

“Chris was phenomenal,” Mason said. “Absolutely phenomenal.”

The labyrinth, which is 60 by 60 feet, is comprised of several tons of rock, including  Colorado River Rock. Most of it was donated by Empire Rock & Gravel, Lafarge North America and various church members.

“It’s our own Stonehenge,” said Gary Leabo, a member of the parish who assisted with the project.

From an aerial standpoint, the labyrinth – known as a Greek labyrinth, which was used by monks in the Middle Ages for spiritual discipline – would look akin to a brain with the path ending at its center, where a bench and inspirational material awaits. Anyone is welcomed to go through the labyrinth at any time.

“There are no strings attached,” Mason said. “It’s our gift.”

There is no cost associated with the labyrinth.

“We did have one couple who placed a thank you note and a $5 check under a rock,” Mason said. “The money will be treated as a will offering.”

Mason said he’s had one instance of a person unable to find a priest who found instead the labyrinth and an unforeseen answer to her troubles. Another member of the parish told Mason all he noticed while in the labyrinth was that some of the rocks were cracked and askew.

“He said he realized that too often all he thinks about are the things that seem wrong in life,” Mason said.

As the church gains ground on turning 165, its congregation continues to age as well, Mason said.

“We’re known for our historical connection to Harry Truman as well as our own history,” said the 40-something Mason. “We’re hoping this will be a conversation piece that will make people interested in our church.”

Mason said two to three people have been visiting the labyrinth on average daily. During the Santa-Cali-Gon Days festival, he said more than 40 people toured it.

“Most of them were just curiosity seekers,” Mason said. “They didn’t know they would go on a spiritual journey to God.”

According to Mason, however, you don’t need to be a Christian to enjoy the labyrinth’s splendors.

“It’s a place of meditation,” Mason said. “It’s for anyone faithful or not who wants to slow down and listen to God or themselves; I call it the walking rosary bead.”