The Labyrinth Core Team - Paula Boyd-Farrington; Carmeta Miller, Religious Tourism, MOT; Jean Hivert; Greg Farrington; Barbara Chester; Susan Mackay; Erika Gates, and Michele Hanson.

Grand Bahama Island - On Friday 2^nd May, one week after Claudette Dean’s brilliant art exhibition of ‘Lumiere’ the Freeport Art Center was again lit up brightly, but this time crowds gathered to listen to an enlightening talk and experience the Labyrinth  facilitated by Mrs. Barbara Chester.  The floor on the Freeport Art Center, painted with a basic circular seed labyrinth lit by candles which illuminated the circular path set the mood for a knowledgeable and enthusiastic summary on labyrinths ending in an exciting announcement and introduction of the upcoming Grand Bahama Labyrinth to be completed later this year at the Garden of the Groves.  

Mrs. Barbara Chester gave an introductory talk on the labyrinth May 2nd, 2008 at the Freeport Art Center. She also introduced the Grand Bahama Labyrinth which will be completed later this year at the Garden of the Groves.

Mrs. Chester’s passion for Labyrinths was ignited by experiencing a guest labyrinth brought in courtesy of Our Saviour Lutheran Church here in Freeport via the Labyrinth Society in Boca Raton, Florida.  Pursuing this interest carried her to France, where in the summer of 2007, she attended the facilitators’ workshop at Chartres Cathedral (by the Reverend Lauren Artres) and learned even more about the labyrinth.

Educated further about this ancient and Christian symbol, and understanding its positive benefits for people, communities and even the earth itself, Mrs. Chester was inspired to bring a permanent Chartres replica labyrinth here to Grand Bahama Island.

Following a meeting with Erika Gates and Michelle Hanson, it became apparent that the newly renovated and revitalized Garden of the Groves would be the perfect location.  Within the space allocated to the Labyrinth, which looks up to the small Chapel at the Groves, it is intended that a meditation garden and lily pond/ reflection pool will also be created in the same area.  This land will be further enhanced with natural indigenous flowering plants to encourage butterflies and humming birds; and natural healing plants that correlate to the healing aspect of the labyrinth itself. 

The temporary and experiential 'seed' labyrinth painted on the floor of the Freeport Art Center, illuminated with candles. Claudette Dean's Lumiere exhibition pieces hang magnificently on the Center walls.

True to the inclusive ethos of the Labyrinth, Barbara Chester is encouraging all the community to get involved in this project and create a lasting monument with proven beneficial effects that will be enjoyed by locals, residents and tourists alike.  Mrs. Chester also pointed out in her lively talk, that the labyrinth is an important tourist attraction and the Grand Bahama Labyrinth will be the first in The Bahamas included on the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator website   www.worldwidelabyrinthlocator.com

The Grand Bahama Labyrinth project has already broken ground at Garden of the Groves. Greg Farrington of Entech Services has been leveling the ground and is due to start pouring the 50'x50' octagonal base by early June (weather permitting). Specialist, Judy Hopen from Labyrinth Enterprises (Missouri, USA) will arrive with the coloured resin and with the help of ten local volunteers will paint the labyrinth on the concrete.

Participants try out the labyrinth experience on the temporary seed labyrinth on the floor of the Freeport Art Center.

 A very important fundraising event will take place on July 18th at the Gardens in their newly constructed deck area, so mark your calendar and don’t miss it! Please be reminded that the Grand Bahama Labyrinth is for the community of Grand Bahama. Persons interested in participating in its creation are urged to contact the coordinators. Donations will be honored by mention in stone bricks and plaques throughout the facility. There are many ways one can help out. THE PLEDGE FORM is at the Base of this Article (Click to open and download for printing).  Donations will go toward the following:  preparation and labyrinth production, labyrinth construction (concrete, walkway, granite resin, sealant, shipping, duty/customs clearing). Airfare/food/accommodations for labyrinth consultant, landscaping, tools, plants, flowers, seating in meditation garden/reflection pool/healing gardens, lighting, solar lamps, statuary, stones for lining lily pond, trellises for plant climbers, signage, engraving for sponsorships, and more.

To assist kindly complete the attached donors form. Barbara Chester and the Committee would like to give their happy and grateful thanks to the many people who have already helped with their services, time or money to create The Grand Bahama Labyrinth at the Garden of the Groves. In particular: The Reverend Dr. Lauren Artres; Hon. Cannon of Grace Cathedral and the Creator and Founder of Veriditas - the World-wide Labyrinth project; Reverend Andreas Thode; Reverend Dr. J. Emmette Weir; Claudette Dean; Susan Moir MacKay; Paula Boyd Farrington and Freeport Advertising and Printing: Robbin Whachell and Dave Mackey of TheBahamasWeekly.com; Angelika Christie; Greg Farrington; David Hylton; Jean Hivert; Carmeta Miller - Ministry of Tourism; Gabby - Lucayan Nurseries; Erika Gates & Michelle Hanson; Dr. Kevin Bethel; Garth McIntosh, Blue Water Pools; Jon Markoulis - Our Lucaya; Yvonne Morris; Jeritzan Outten - Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Donna Duncan – Meteorologist; Peachie Tianvan - The Mail Drop; Emmy Forbes - La Dolce Vita & East; Jeff Butler - Butlers Specialty; Robbie Butler - Bristol Cellars; Jamie and Marina Sarles; Robert Ferré and Judith Hopen of Labyrinth-Enterprises; Solo-Rent-a-Tent; lee Turnquest ; Sabine and Oscar Fernandez; Trond Turnheim; Barbara Brown; and Rosemary Norton.

Being a community project, there are many ways that anyone can lend their support and services, whether with their hands, head, or monetary donations.  If you are interested in supporting the creation of the Grand Bahama  Labyrinth in the Garden of the Groves please contact GrandBahamaLabyrinth@gmail.com

As one can see, much is needed, but the completion of the project will be well worth it. The gift of a labyrinth brings beauty, peace and lasting healing effects to our community. Become a part of creating this beautiful land mark.

  To learn more about the benefits of labyrinths read HERE .