Our Labyrinth’s Inspiration: Sarah Todd 

Have you wondered why we call it the Sarah Todd Labyrinth? During the big renovation project in 2019-20, the Spiritual Life Commission realized that there was an opportunity to build a permanent labyrinth in Findlay Hall – if we came up with the funding for its incremental cost. Sarah Todd, a member of Westminster from 1973 until her death in 2003, made this project possible because she had arranged to transfer much of her estate to the Presbyterian Foundation with the stipulation that a quarterly “annuity” be paid to Westminster for the purpose of enhancing our members’ spiritual lives. This annuity supports nearly all Spiritual Life activities, which, apart from funding one-time expenses like the labyrinth upgrade, includes bringing in guest speakers for Zoom-Ins, after-worship lectures, and one-day retreats. 

But Sarah Todd left our church a far bigger legacy than just funding. She joined Westminster after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. As Doug Huneke (our Pastor from 1981 to 2011) points out, “with her military pension, she had time to think about her second half in life, her overall purpose.” She enrolled in many spirituality courses and retreats at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Eventually, Sarah had a vision to deepen the spiritual journey of WPC members, founding the Spiritual Life Commission. Bob Miller was one of her first recruits, and he still serves on the Commission. He recalls, “her passion for this cause made Sarah a role model for me and many others.” 

Sarah also served her congregation as an Elder, Deacon, and Clerk of Session. Doug recalls that Sarah was “tiny in stature but with the presence of a full bird Colonel - a strong and assertive, yet gentle human being. If she had an inkling that you were interested in anything spiritual, she had you.” She served our Presbytery as Commissioner to the 1983 General Assembly – this was the seminal convention that reunited Presbyterian churches north and south after the Civil War split, a reunion she strongly advocated as her family had solid roots in the southern branch of the denomination. 

It’s probable that Sarah walked the labyrinth in Grace Cathedral – this is where the modern labyrinth movement was founded in 1991 after a group of members rediscovered a 13th century pattern in the main cathedral of Chartres, France. It should be noted that before Findlay Hall became a social hall, it was Westminster’s main sanctuary. Sarah’s regular pew was located right inside where the labyrinth pattern is located today, so as Doug notes, “she will be walking with us.” 

The Sarah Todd Labyrinth is open for walking during church office hours, as well as during special events where we add candlelight and sacred music.