Labyrinth in the Woods provides opportunities for meditation and spiritual practice in a natural setting. It is open to all people.

The ancient practice of walking a labyrinth has been known to nearly all cultures and religions around the globe. Many find that following a path to the center stills the mind and opens the heart. Some walk labyrinths for relaxation. Some walk as a form of prayer. Still others walk as meditation to seek a deeper tranquility.

The path, marked with stone, is to be walked deliberately. From the entrance, a single route winds its way to the center. It is not a maze – there are no dead ends. Return by the same path.

Labyrinth in the Woods honors Susan Fitzgerald who was a dedicated leader at First Parish Church, UCC and member of the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust. Susan cared deeply about connecting people to the land.

History of Labyrinth in the Woods

For over a decade, the Reverend Mary Baard, Senior Pastor at First Parish Church (FPC), UCC in Brunswick, and Susan Fitzgerald, the leader of FPC’s Labyrinth Ministry, dreamed of expanding their labyrinth ministry by creating an outdoor labyrinth. For years they talked about possible sites, but couldn’t find space on the Church’s small grounds.

In 2014, Mary was struck with an idea as she walked the trails of Crystal Spring Farm – this was the place! Little did she know, the Land Trust had been looking for ways to build connections with diverse community groups. The Labyrinth was a wonderful opportunity for both FPC and BTLT to offer a unique new resource to the broader community, and, as BTLT Executive Director, Angela Twitchell said, “It is a great way to connect people of all faiths with nature.” The Church and Land Trust created a planning committee to work out the details. FPC agreed to raise money for building the labyrinth and getting the program established, and to act as the community contact for those who want a guided experience of the Labyrinth. The Land Trust would provide the site and ongoing maintenance. Linkel Construction, a local company experienced in stonework, was hired to design and build the labyrinth.

The Land Trust and FPC encourage visitors to find their own meaning in walking the Labyrinth. It can be meditation, prayer, relaxation, or simply a new way to interact with nature.

Film Provided by MI Media.