Art and Architecture

Grace church had owned a vacant lot south of the Rectory, now the Episcopad, for a very long time. In 2008, Fr. Steve spoke during a Sunday morning service about how he felt that God would be more pleased with Grace Church if we turned that lot into a garden instead of simply mowing it. The front half of the lot was first to be developed. Fr. Steve’s dream was to have a Bible Garden with plants mentioned in scripture as the focus.  

The focal point of this garden turned out to be a Labyrinth. The Helen Boylan Memorial Labyrinth, based on the floor of a 12th century French Cathedral, was installed in 2009.  

Planting and development continued. In 2014 raised beds for flowers, herbs and vegetables were added in the back half of the lot, along with the center fountain as focal point for this area.  The curved stone bench was also added during this period. Spring and summer of 2015 brought “memory bricks,” a garden shed with the south side depicting Fr. Steve’s vision of the “Easter Tomb” and the pergola. In 2016 concrete pavers were added to finish the area under the pergola. 

The Bible Garden and Labyrinth are masterfully cared for by Larry and Ruth Hartman whose ministry keeps the garden beautiful and full of abundance year round. If you would like to learn more about the garden or what can be found within the garden ask either Larry or Ruth and they would be happy to give you more information.