Elburn Eagle Scout builds labyrinth for Batavia church

It's a simple walk that can change your life. Walking a labyrinth is taking a pilgrimage that lasts only a few minutes but leaves you renewed in spirit. It's a spiritual moment that Eagle Scout Kevin Hodge, wanted to provide for the community of Batavia.

"I had heard that my church, Bethany Lutheran, was looking for something to do with the space between the church and the ministry center next door," he said.

"At first I thought about doing a prayer garden and then I thought about a labyrinth, something that could be used by the community."

The church council at Bethany liked the idea and allowed Kevin to go ahead with the project.

"I especially appreciated the help from Jane Seagren who provided quite a lot of research materials for me," he added.

Kevin, who lives in Elburn and attends Kaneland High School, then started looking at other church labyrinths and taking note of different styles, before he chose his design.

"It was really helpful to see and walk the labyrinth at the Episcopal Church in St. Charles," he said.

The Episcopal Church located on Route 25, north of St Charles, has a labyrinth that is open to the community at noon the first Saturday of the month. A certified labyrinth leader is there to answer any questions and help people with the experience.

Kevin designed his labyrinth at Batavia based on the size of the property. He then had to write a report for his troop committee and for the district advancement committee. It was quite a task, resulting in a 21-page report.

"I did pattern it after the St. Charles labyrinth; but, I had to do smaller lanes and less curves," he said.

Once the design was done, Kevin went to work trying to get materials donated. He was able to get the sand donated from Dakota Construction and the screens donated from LaFarge Conco. Through contributions from Bethany, he was able to purchase the bricks.

He enlisted the help of his scout troop, Troop 7, out of Elburn. Many of the scouts brought along their parents and the group put in 164 hours of work over three days. Jay Markuson of Dakota Construction took on the role of contractor, working along side the church sexton, Steve Hayes. Mike Schmidt, another Eagle Scout candidate, had made a commitment to Bethany to work on landscaping and he also put in some work hours at the labyrinth.

"Some of the scouts had never heard of a labyrinth before and thought it was really cool," said Kevin. "I think they were inspired to start their own projects that can have a positive impact on the community."

It was an exciting moment when Kevin was able to walk the labyrinth on his own. He felt an immediate connection.

"I'm an athlete and it was similar to when you are in a game and you are in the zone and you can't hear the sound of the crowd," he said. "I was completely enveloped by the experience. I didn't expect to feel the way I felt."

According to the church, a labyrinth provides a journey to a sacred place. Going in is the journey to that place. The center is being there and going out is returning to home renewed.

The labyrinth will be dedicated at the church during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The church is providing materials at the site for members of the community who would like to walk the labyrinth privately. Access to the labyrinth is available from the parking lot, east of the church, which is located at 8 South Lincoln St., Batavia.

"We grateful for this gift to Bethany that will serve not only to promote the spiritual growth of our congregation but will be a valuable resource for our community," said Pastor Steven Srock.