Unity Trail Gazebo and Pond

         Our Church, Unity of Roanoke Valley has 26 acres, 19 of which are wooded. We are in the process of building a system of trails to help us access and use this wonderful part of our property in our spiritual quest to connect with God and nature.  Our trail is not only for spiritual use but also is a joyful place to learn about, observe and interact with nature.  And for those who walk it regularly, it becomes a source of physical health as well as for exercising our legs and hearts. The main trail behind the church buildings is 900 feet long and the five meditation and prayer trails branching off from the main trail and leading to benches where we may quietly hold up our spiritual connection with God in the midst of natural surroundings add another 600 feet giving us 1500 feet of trails to explore our wonderful woods.

         We began with the surveying of a main trail to connect with the fire pit and the barbeque pit in December 2003.  Our board of directors approved the idea in January 2004. March 27, 2004 was our first official workday when we began to line the newly cut trail with logs.  Herb Detweiler designed our 35-foot "Walking with Spirit" Bridge, which we completed in July.  The bridge represents the many crossing over experiences in our lives from one level to another, as we slowly ascend towards a higher spiritual connection with God in our lives.

        In 2005, we began a 12-foot wide gazebo over looking yet set back from our church pond. To be completed by April of 2007, it is a wonderful addition designed and built by Christopher Page and our first covered structure on the trail. A sanctuary from rain on inclement days, and one of our meditation spots to sit and enjoy nature, pray and meditate with God. This year, 2007, we will be working to improve and support nature on our pond. We will be adding more plants such as flowering water lilies, perennial bog plants, and marginal plants to enhance our pond. Each day brings us a new challenge and a new way to interact with God's creations.

       Each day brings us a sense of amazement and awe.  We are filled with God's blessings as our trail takes shape through the all-volunteer hands from our church.  We give thanks to God for what he has given us for our use.  Thank you wonder filled and joyous God, we look forwards to what you bring us around the corner for our many blessings in our lives.

       I invite you to come walk our trail; come commune with God each in your own way.

Namaste, ("The Christ in me sees and honors the Christ in you")

Keith Edmondson
Unity Trail Coordinator                                                                                           .

Gazebo
- Photo by Keith Edmondson

Bill Sapp improving Gazebo trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Bill Sapp and Rose Wyatt using grape hoes to cut and level a path"

        - Photo by Wayne Scank

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unity Trail descending down a switchback towards the now completed bridge.

- Photo by Keith Edmondson

 

The Building of "Walking with Spirit" Bridge



Paul Brooks and Keith Edmondson use a lug hook to maneuver the first telephone pole in place,
which supports the bridge from underneath.

– Photo by Danny Myers

 

 

Eric Sapp and Clarence Lunford preparing a shim for use on the bridge structure.
Rose Wyatt and Herb Detweiler look on.

– Photo by Wayne Scank

 

The final 35’ bridge, "Walking with Spirit" Bridge has been dedicated to
the memory of Rev. Diane Clevenger’s mother, Hope Price.

- Photo by Keith Edmondson