Karla Dorweiler | Special to The Michigan Catholic

Ambitious Eagle Scout creates Stations of the Cross trail through 10-acre woods

Armada — Four years ago, Boy Scout Christopher Kehrer met with his pastor at Armada’s St. Mary Mystical Rose Parish with an idea for his Eagle Scout service project. The plan would transform the 10-acre wooded area behind the church into an elaborate Stations of the Cross trail to the tune of $40,000.

“It was ambitious, but I knew he would succeed because of his name,” said Fr. George Siaosi Patau, pastor of the northern Macomb County parish. “Christopher means ‘Christ bearer.’ He was the right person to do it.”

Kehrer belongs to Boy Scout Troop 256 in Washington Township. To receive Eagle Scout rank, boys must plan, coordinate and complete a substantial community service project.

After researching other Stations of the Cross installations, Kehrer made a plan for his own parish.

“I wanted to make it unique to Armada, and unique to St. Mary’s with this great piece of land we have here,” said Kehrer, who will begin pursuing a bachelor’s degree in acting this fall at Western Michigan University. “It was important to me to have a 15th station for the resurrection because it fits so well with the theme of life, so you get the whole experience out here — surrounded by nature and life.”

Kehrer, just 14 years old at the time, spent four months surveying the 10-acre lot.

Before work could begin, Kehrer submitted a detailed plan for approval from his Boy Scout leaders. He had to account for every bolt and screw that would be used.

The proposal eventually received approval from the troop, followed by a green light from the parish council.

The project, which included 15 wooden crosses and benches, a quarter-mile pathway and two land bridges — one measuring 310 feet through a swampy area — would cost $40,000. To raise funds, Kehrer offered sponsorships at various levels: an 8-foot cross with personalized plaque for $1,500, a bench with plaque for $500, or a pathway sponsorship for any amount.

Kehrer spoke after Masses for two months, explaining the project and asking for sponsorships. He also approached the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club.

“It turned out the fundraising was the easiest part,” said Kehrer. “People liked having a chance to honor their parents or grandparents by dedicating a station or a bench to them.”



Construction began in April 2012. With help from his father, David Kehrer, Christopher first created a waterway through the parcel of land, which serves as a drainage area for Armada. Next they began clearing dead ash trees for the trail. More than 300 trees were milled on site to create all the lumber needed for the project.

For three summers, Kehrer worked almost every day with help from more than 200 members of the parish and community. At times, he wanted to quit.

“I tell people that this was God’s test for me to see how my will and my faith would hold up,” he said. “There were times when I would say, ‘God, you’ve got to help me out here. People are depending on me to get this done.’”

In April 2013, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Byrnes visited Armada for a dedication ceremony at the parish. Although the project wasn’t complete, the bishop walked the trail with 100 other guests and blessed each station.

Kehrer said he couldn’t have accomplished his goal without his father and stepmother’s help, or without his fellow Scouts and the community members who gave time and talents. He is also grateful for the professionals and businesses who donated materials and expertise.

“It all comes down to what the Lord has accomplished through this young man,” Fr. Patau said. “We’re using the land for the spiritual welfare of the people, and it has been an amazing journey for their family, the parish, for Armada, and even the state.”

Next, Fr. Patau would like to raise funds to make the pathway handicapped accessible.

“Everyone is welcome,” he said. “We have visitors from all over and we would like to make it so that everyone can go out on the trail.”

Kehrer hopes the pathway will offer a peaceful setting for prayer and meditation.

“For a lot of people, this is more than a path,” he said. “You can be out here and feel like it’s just you and God, and that’s special to people.”

By the numbers

St. Mary Mystical Rose Stations of the Cross

1,959 hours logged by volunteers

$39,670.77 raised for the project

1,624: Length of the trail (in feet)

50 gallons of stain and primer used

6: Weight of boulder at pathway entrance (in tons)

20: Height of cross at entrance (in feet)

Visitor Information

The Stations of the Cross Walking Pathway on the grounds of St. Mary Mystical Rose Parish in Armada is open seven days a week during daylight hours. There is no fee, but donations are accepted. Weekday Mass is offered at the church Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m.; First Fridays at 9 a.m.  Adoration is available Wednesday morning after Mass until noon. Weekend liturgies are celebrated Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 and 10:15 a.m.