Thanksgiving and Neighbors

The following is a virtual tour of Thanksgiving Square situated in down town Dallas.  The park is a 3 acre wedge of peace, restful contemplation and a reminder to give thanks.  The Ring of Thanks and Circle of Giving leads to the bell tower with three bells in the shape of the Liberty Bell.

Peter Stewart presented a mosaic version of Norman Rockwell’s “Golden Rule” to the United Nations where Thanks-Giving Square was making global connections. This picture is of the lower third of the overall mosaic.  The mural is beautiful in it’s detail, colors and message.

The chapel itself is a unique spiral design with 73 stained-glass panels created by French artist Gabriel Loire forming the ceiling.  I find it interesting that 73 has subsequently been identified as ‘The Best Number’ as defined by Sheldon of the Big Bang Theory (see youtube for full explanation of why the number 73 is better than Chuck Norris).

This picture was gathered by laying flat on floor of the circular chapel taking in the beautiful collection of colors as they spiral into the glory window at the center top.  It is very quiet, contemplative and peaceful as you take in the kaleidoscope of colors.  The following picture is a little different angle of a section of the windows.

While the inside of the chapel is this flood of colors, the outside is a very un-assuming cement, plain finish.  Other than it’s spiral presentation to the sky it seems cold and just another part of the larger city around it. 

Adjacent to the spiral is a field of cobblestones with cascading water helping to mask the sounds of the city.  This industry design seemingly hides the wonderful surprise that is the stained glass windows that shine down upon visitors. Upon leaving the 3 acre park, visitors are left with a final message and life rule.  

Seems as though the definition of neighbor is a challenge at times.