About this Sacred Place

One project in which Episcopalians have been directly involved is the Peace Garden and labyrinth, dedicated in 2002 on the grounds of Epiphany Chapel and Church House in Odenton, Md., to honor the 2,929 military chaplains who served in World War I.

“The garden is a crowning tribute to the faith and courage of chaplains who served the needs of more than 100,000 men and women that passed through Camp Meade [now Fort Meade] on their way to the trenches in France,” said the Rev. Phebe McPherson, rector at the chapel for 22 years. The garden, with benches and five bronze plaques bearing the names of every World War I chaplain, is located under shade trees by the chapel’s front door.

“Many people have made it their pilgrimage to visit here,” said McPherson, adding that Epiphany Chapel and Church House, now on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in just 60 days after five civilian chaplains were unable to obtain accommodation at Camp Meade.