King of Peace Labyrinth
King of Peace Episcopal Church
Kingsland, Georgia
 
By Dan Hardison

A journey began in 2000 when a group came together to form a new Episcopal congregation in Kingsland, Georgia and began holding worship services in a house. Three and a half years later, their path has led them to the dedication of their newly constructed church building. As The Rev. Frank Logue said, "Not all people are alike. Not all churches are alike. King of Peace Episcopal Church brought a unique set of values and strengths to the Kings Bay Area." They also constructed a sanctuary with a labyrinth built into the floor with 43,000 marble tiles.

The labyrinth is a design concept that has been used since the ancient cathedrals of Europe. Unlike a maze with dead ends, a labyrinth has one way in and one way out. It is also flat so that the overall design can be seen. Walking the labyrinth is meant as a spiritual journey for contemplative prayer, inspiration, and meditation. The King of Peace labyrinth was patterned after the labyrinth at Chartress Cathedral in France and was designed and constructed by Christopher Rayne. Just as the labyrinths of the past, the King of Peace labyrinth serves a dual purpose: a spiritual tool as well as the actual floor during worship services. On scheduled days the chairs are removed from the sanctuary leaving the labyrinth available for walking.

After the move from the house that had served as their place of worship to their new contemporary church building, a six and a half foot cross crafted of mahogany by Chris Roberts was installed on the wall behind the altar. Rendered after the cross that appears in the King of Peace logo, the gold leaf swirls represent the chaos in our lives – that which is out of harmony. They are contained within the boundaries that form the cross – a symbol of hope and the promise of peace. The King of Peace cross stands overlooking the labyrinth reassuring us that on our spiritual journey the destination is assured.

The congregation at King of Peace began their journey in 2000. They have followed a path – as in the labyrinth – that has led them to the center for contemplation and reflection with the construction of their church. Now they begin the journey out – a path into the future. Written on the wall of the entry hall are Jesus' words, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you."


Information and photos provided by The Rev. Frank Logue.

King of Peace Episcopal Church
PO Box 2526
6230 Laurel Island Parkway
Kingsland, Georgia 31548
(912) 510-8958
frank@kingofpeace.org
www.kingofpeace.org

Walking the Labyrinth