West Concord Union Church in Concord constructs stone labyrinth

Walking from their homes in West Concord to West Concord Village last week, friends Betsy Higgins and Pam Swing stopped in their tracks when they noticed some interesting construction going on at the West Concord Union Church.

We noticed a man was there putting stones in place, Higgins said. We stopped and said hello and asked him about it. Its quite beautiful.

Since the beginning of April, Marty Kermeen, of Labyrinths in Stone, has been busy creating a Petit Chartres Labyrinth, based on the design of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France.

According to the West Concord Union Church, a labyrinth is a single path of several circuits combining the ancient symbols of circle and spiral. It is a spiritual tool based on ancient patterns that date to pre-Christian times.

West Concord Union Church Deacon David Sedlock said the decision to construct a labyrinth at the church began about a year ago.

We had discussions with members of the congregation about creating a welcome garden and many of them were interested in constructing a labyrinth next to that, Sedlock said. Many of the members were very familiar with walking labyrinths and thought it could be a very spiritual and meditative activity that we could incorporate within the church environment and the Concord community.

After working with a site designer to develop a plan, Sedlock said the church was able to find Kermeen, who operates the labyrinth-making business out of Chicago, Ill., with his wife Debi.

As founding members of the International Labyrinth Society, Marty Kermeen and Labyrinths in Stone, have made temporary and permanent labyrinths all around the country. Kermeen said labyrinth-making has become part of his everyday life.

The business found me, Kermeen said standing outside West Concord Union Church. As a stone sculptor and paver, Marty said he has created paver art around the country for more than 25 years.

The Kermeens labyrinth creations can be found in places including cathedrals, churches, hospitals, schools, museums and private homes.

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West Concord Union Church in Concord constructs stone labyrinth