The terms maze and labyrinth are often used interchangeably, but they are two quite distinct entities. Wikipedia offers this definition:
In colloquial English labyrinth is generally synonymous with maze, but many contemporary scholars observe a distinction between the two: maze refers to a complex branching puzzle with choices of path and direction; while a single-path (unicursal) labyrinth has only a single, non-branching path, which leads to the center. A labyrinth in this sense has an unambiguous through-route to the center and back and is not designed to be difficult to navigate.
When RailGuy and I were driving along the street that parallels the river in Morrisburg, I noticed that the Lakeshore Drive United Church had a small plaque mounted near the sidewalk. The sign reads “Lakeshore Labyrinth”. Intrigued, we stopped to investigate.
The church itself is a lovely structure. It was built in 1880 by the Methodist Church of Canada. It became a United Church at the time of the Church Union in 1925. It is constructed of brick, with cut stone dressings, following a Gothic design. The east spire, on the left, was destroyed by a lightening strike in 1964 and later reconstructed.
Following the path around to the rear of the church, we found the labyrinth laid out before a sparkling view of the St. Lawrence River. The setting is very tranquil and inviting.
The modern labyrinth can be thought of as a pilgrimage. It symbolizes the difficulties we experience as we journey through life. Following the path to the centre offers a meditative experience.
A cross is at the centre of this labyrinth. A plaque at the rear of the church indicates that the Lakeshore Labyrinth was a memorial project in recognition of a legacy from Ross Hummell, with support from his brothers and sisters, and donations from local construction firms. It was dedicated in June of 2007.
The Labyrinth Society has an online locator for labyrinths around the world.
Willow House Chronicles 
The first labyrinth I came across was behind a hotel along the Urubamba River in Peru. A friend and I were wandering the hotel grounds before breakfast (or was it before dinner?) and stumbled upon it. There were no signs, no indication of its age or purpose. Since we were on our way to Machu Picchu, we liked to think it was part of the ancient culture, but I suspect it was really a lot more modern.
Wow, Peru! The setting for this labyrinth, beside the river, is nice, but Peru would be way more exciting!
We were downtown at the Eaton Centre today. We exited the mall by The Church of the Holy Trinity and found the Toronto Public Labyrinth there in Trinity Square Park. If I hadn’t read your blog, I wouldn’t have instantly known from a distance what it was! Some poor man was trying to follow the instructions for a “meditative experience” while two teens skateboarded around him. He was determined though. We didn’t try it, but it looked very nice.
That’s a coincidence. I’m glad the blog was helpful! I’m aware of the Trinity Square labyrinth, but haven’t visited it. Seems like a challenging location for a meditative experience.
What a wonderful surprise to see your article about the labyrinth at our church in Morrisburg! We are delighted that you took the time to explore the labyrinth and research the historical background of both the church building and the creation of the labyrinth. The setting is peaceful yet spectacular with its view of the river, isn’t it?
Please come again!
I’m glad you found my post, Riverwatcher. Thank you for dropping by, and thanks to Lakeshore Drive United for the opportunity to share your labyrinth. It is a lovely site indeed.
Hi,
We are creating a website for our church and we would love to include your beautiful pictures of our church and labyrinth. Please let me know if we have your permission to use these photos.
Thank you very much.
Hi Riverwatcher,
Yes, I would be honored to have my photos shared.
Thank you for your kind words.