Lenoir in Caldwell County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022

1. St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth Marker

Inscription.

St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth. . St. James Episcopal Church Welcomes you to walk and pray our labyrinth. What is a Labyrinth? The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool for meditative prayer. It has been used by humankind throughout the world in many cultural traditions as a symbolic pilgrimage , a walk with God. It is a prayer, a walking meditation, a simile of the twists and turns we take on our journey through life. , The labyrinth here at Saint James differs in design from more well known circular labyrinth designs such as the 11-circuit labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France that dates back to 1210 AD (see figure at right), or the simpler 7-circuit labyrinth, but all are based on a concept of sacred geometry, full of spiritual symbolism that creates a path toward inner awareness and spiritual growth. , Ours is a rectangular shape with 5 circuits that contains the same winding path to the center and the same path out again by retracing your steps, or by using a unique option for a "quick exit." , Walking the Labyrinth We welcome anyone to enter our labyrinth and follow the winding path into the center and then to return, either by retracing your steps on the same path, or by using the "quick exit" provided. Walk, skip, crawl, dance , whatever the Spirit moves you to do , as you journey along the path. Stop and pray as you feel led. Sit, stand, or kneel at the center, the heart of God, as long as you like. When you are ready, return to the everyday world, bringing insights learned along the way, or simply enjoying a relaxed and peaceful feeling from having taken this quiet reflective time for yourself. Be aware that in the coming days after walking a labyrinth, new insights may come to you. , There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. The walk is different each time one walks it. But do be mindful of other walkers on the path, walking in silence and stepping out of each other's way if needed. , How to Walk the Labyrinth On the threshold: At the entrance, take a deep breath and focus on a question, a prayer, or on your breathing in order to quiet your mind. , Journeying in: As you enter the labyrinth and walk the winding path toward the center, RELEASE whatever clutters your mind or any burdens you carry. Walk the path conscious of God's presence. , The Resting Place: In the center of the labyrinth, RECEIVE calm, strength, perspective, new hope, peace, as you stand or sit or kneel with God; rest here until you are ready to return. , Journeying out: Move out from the center to RETURN to daily life, being aware of any transforming empowerments of new commitments that have taken place within you on your journey. , May God grant you peace as you walk this spiritual path..

St. James Episcopal Church
Welcomes you to walk and pray our labyrinth
What is a Labyrinth?
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool for meditative prayer. It has been used by humankind throughout the world in many cultural traditions as a symbolic pilgrimage — a walk with God. It is a prayer, a walking meditation, a simile of the twists and turns we take on our journey through life.

The labyrinth here at Saint James differs in design from more well known circular labyrinth designs such as the 11-circuit labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France that dates back to 1210 AD (see figure at right), or the simpler 7-circuit labyrinth, but all are based on a concept of sacred geometry, full of spiritual symbolism that creates a path toward inner awareness and spiritual growth.

Ours is a rectangular shape with 5 circuits that contains the same winding path to the center and the same path out again by retracing your steps, or by using a unique option for a "quick exit."

Walking the Labyrinth
We welcome anyone to enter our labyrinth and follow the winding path into the center and then to return, either by retracing your steps on the

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same path, or by using the "quick exit" provided. Walk, skip, crawl, dance — whatever the Spirit moves you to do — as you journey along the path. Stop and pray as you feel led. Sit, stand, or kneel at the center, the heart of God, as long as you like. When you are ready, return to the everyday world, bringing insights learned along the way, or simply enjoying a relaxed and peaceful feeling from having taken this quiet reflective time for yourself. Be aware that in the coming days after walking a labyrinth, new insights may come to you.

There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. The walk is different each time one walks it. But do be mindful of other walkers on the path, walking in silence and stepping out of each other's way if needed.

How to Walk the Labyrinth
On the threshold: At the entrance, take a deep breath and focus on a question, a prayer, or on your breathing in order to quiet your mind.

Journeying in: As you enter the labyrinth and walk the winding path toward the center, RELEASE whatever clutters your mind or any burdens you carry. Walk the path conscious of God's presence.

The Resting Place: In the center of the

Marker detail: St. James Labyrinth Diagram image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: St. James Labyrinth Diagram

"In our chaotic Western society, many of us have trouble quieting our minds. The sheer act of walking a complicated path — which discharges energy — begins to focus the mind."
The Rev. Lauren Artress

labyrinth, RECEIVE calm, strength, perspective, new hope, peace, as you stand or sit or kneel with God; rest here until you are ready to return.

Journeying out: Move out from the center to RETURN to daily life, being aware of any transforming empowerments of new commitments that have taken place within you on your journey.

May God grant you peace as you walk this spiritual path.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1210.

Location. 35° 54.798′ N, 81° 32.347′ W. Marker is in Lenoir, North Carolina, in Caldwell County. It can be reached from the intersection of College Avenue Southwest and Main Street Southwest, on the left when traveling east. The marker and labyrinth are located at the northeast corner of the St. James Episcopal Church grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 806 College Avenue Southwest, Lenoir NC 28645, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the

Marker detail: Peace image. Click for full size.

3. Marker detail: Peace

11-circuit labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21

Appreciation is given to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Wilkesboro, Grace Episcopal Church, Morganton, and stackingstonesministry.com

Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Raiders in Lenoir (within shouting distance of this marker); Davenport College (within shouting distance of this marker); Blackwelder Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Belk's Department Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Smithey's Department Store (about 400 feet away); Hog Waller Market in Downtown Lenoir (about 500 feet away); Lenoir City Clock (about 500 feet away); Caldwell County Confederate Monument (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lenoir.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Raiders in Lenoir (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another

St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022

4. St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth and Marker

Looking north. The labyrinth & garden are on the left. The marker, obscured by glare in this photo, is mounted on the fence in the right foreground.

marker now near it).

St. James Episcopal Church, established 1844 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2022

5. St. James Episcopal Church, established 1844

The front entrance of the church faces south on College Avenue Southwest.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 17, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.