LEWISBURG- What started as a simple refresher to their Memorial Wall and Garden Area, has turned into a much more expansive capital project for St. James Episcopal Church.
Recently, St. James has added solar panels to the roof of the church, a new generator, and an intricate stone labyrinth, just to name a few of the upgrades. Reverend Zach Drennen, Rector of St. James, has already noticed a higher community interest in the mission of the Church since making the changes, stating that their newly laid labyrinth in particular has “caught fire” among the locals.
The idea of building a labyrinth originally came from a parishioner within the church who had worked in landscaping. After several years of planning, St. James launched their “Grounded and Growing” Campaign in February of 2026, which has since brought in over $500,000 that will go toward 3 years of capital improvements to the church, including this central piece of spiritual artwork.
Laid by local Riverbend Landscaping, LLC out of Caldwell, WV St, James states the new labyrinth will “create sacred space for remembrance, prayer, and renewal.” Like deep roots drawing strength from the soil, these spaces invite all who come to encounter the holy, remember those who have gone before us, find peace, and be restored in spirit.”
Drennan told WVDN that on opening dedication night for the labyrinth earlier in the month, over 70 people showed up, including non-members of the church, to “experience this new spot for reflection and meditation.” In the months to come, St. James will be hosting a series of public sessions through the fall that “explore the spiritual elements of walking a sacred labyrinth.” Whether a churchgoer or a church-seeker, everyone is invited to join a soup and bread dinner to start these gatherings, followed by a 45-minute session “exploring different thematic approaches to walking a labyrinth.”
Before Drennen became a part of the St. James ministry, he worked in the solar industry. The first time he laid eyes on the big south-facing roof of St. James Episcopal, he “knew he would be adding solar panels to it one day.” Last week, with the help of Revolt Energy, the brand-new panels were successfully installed, of which the federal government should reimburse some of the project costs. Drennen says that because of the panels, he has been able to successfully offset the costs of electricity for the church building.
The solar panels being installed
With a new generator now in the equation as well, St. James Episcopal will also be able to act as a reliable warming center for the community, something Drennen says the church has wanted to be able to do for a long time.
“Now, if the power goes out this Winter, people know we are still in business, and our doors will be open if they need a place to go,” the Reverend told WVDN.
Over the next several years, St. James Episcopal Church will be knocking out more of the “Grounded and Growing” Campaign’s to-do list. Making the church more accessible via ramps, walkways and an elevator is also on the agenda, along with new windows in the office and rectory, plus upgrades to the bathrooms.
The church has also vowed to give 15% of the campaign to “vital ministries in our diocese and strengthening our own outreach ministries here at home, like Wellspring, the Sheperd Center, and the Lewisburg Food Locker.”
