Scout's project to be unveiled at Hope Lutheran Church

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Hope Lutheran Church, Elton-Adelphia Road, will host an Eagle Scout project dedication at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21.

Matthew Grajek, the son of Paul and Susanne Grajek, a Boy Scout with Troop 155 chartered by the West Freehold School, will unveil the labyrinth he created on the church property.

According to Matthew, "My Eagle Scout project was inspired after a church retreat at Long Beach Island where we made a labyrinth on the sand. Later that same year, the senior high youth group designed and made a portable labyrinth.

"The church members liked the labyrinth we made and some wished we could have it out all year. It was then I decided it would benefit many people to have a permanent labyrinth on the church property so it could be used by anyone at anytime.

"A labyrinth is a 'walk with God.' It is a circular path that one follows to the center and then back around to the outside. While taking part in the walk, the person may reflect on the week, or any other time period, and may pray while walking. It is a very spiritual path and soothing music can be played while walking through the path to enable a peaceful mood while praying.

"I gained permission from the church council to design and build a labyrinth on the church property. To fund my project, I held a spaghetti dinner and a 'buy a brick' fundraiser.

"These events were so successful that my initial plan of making the pathway out of stones changed to installing a complete brick path. I also installed a berm with plantings to screen the labyrinth from Elton-Adelphia Road and to create a sense of solitude while walking the path.

"I had a total of 63 people working a total of 479 labor hours to complete this project. The volunteers came from Boy Scout Troop 155, members of Hope Church and friends from Freehold Township High School," Matthew said.

Susanne Grajek said the community and church members fully supported her son so that he was able to leave a legacy to Hope. Offering assistance with the materials, landscaping and a plaque were Clayton Brick, Landex Nurseries and W&E Baum.

She said the labyrinth was built for the community and is for everyone regardless of religious affiliation.