Memorial Garden

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever. Isaiah 55:10, 11,13

St. Andrew’s Memorial Garden is embraced by the Church, Great Hall and office wing. From each of those buildings, the garden can be appreciated in every season. With its always-open gates, the Memorial Garden welcomes access from Main Street too, with a beautiful view of a new memorial planter.

The Memorial Garden is a place for celebration, for meditation, and for remembering those connected with the parish as well as others. Experiencing the cycle of the seasons in the Garden, we reflect on the promise of the Resurrection, and we remember that our lives begin and end in God. The cruciform stonework is bordered by garden beds to create a living sanctuary, and here we gather to honor earthly lives that have ended. We come together on joyous occasions too, such as confirmations, weddings and summer services.

The Garden connects us with those whose cremains are interred here, with those honored by name on memorial pavers and benches, and also with the women who created this sacred Garden more than thirty years ago. (For more on the Garden’s history, please see here.) As current caretakers of the Garden, the Memorial Garden Ministry feels connected to these many people. In the pleasure of our shared tasks, whether planting, pruning or weeding, we feel connected to one another, too. It is inspiring to share this space blessed in the company of Jesus.

 “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” St. Andrew’s Memorial Garden will be maintained in perpetuity. It can provide a resting place for the cremains of your loved one, or honor that person with an engraved paver or other gift. Information on committal, pavers, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here. To discuss celebrations of life, please contact St. Andrew’s church office; a personal visit can be scheduled, and is always welcome. A registry of those memorialized or interred is available in the office.

 The Memorial Garden Ministry gathers weekly during the growing season to continue tending the garden – amending and mulching the soil, pruning, weeding, watering, and planting new shrubs and annuals, bulbs and perennials in keeping with the original “Mary garden” blue and white scheme.

“One day while in the Memorial Garden

…I looked up to see an elderly gentleman arrive with his daughter. He explained that he occasionally visits the memorial here of a very dear friend, one who served as best man at his wedding many years ago. I was so moved by his story.”

…I recognized how much I look forward to the sense of tranquility and peace that often come over me within these garden walls.”

…our Rector arrived with his young children, to tend the grape vine. Curious about what we gardeners were up to, the children soon were asking many questions, and then, given trowels, were digging and planting, too!”

…I sat quietly and reflected that I have been a member of St. Andrew’s for more than seventy years! One of my earliest memories was the pride I felt receiving a little silver cross for my service in the junior choir.”

…during one of our monthly meetings, we watched as leaves floated down on Betty, seated on a granite bench beneath a tree, taking notes. She hardly noticed as leaves gently swirled around her, landing on her shoulder, her lap, her hair. They fell on her like blessings.”

…I realized how much I relished being able to gather with friends during this pandemic, masked and safe, to talk or work in the garden.”

…a new, young member of the Ministry team was working with her mother alongside the rest of us, and her mother shared stories of the garden’s past while we prepared together for the garden’s future.”

…I admired our magnolia in bloom, and recalled how my father tended one during my childhood.”

Come and experience the Garden for yourself, Now, instead of thorn, you will find dogwood and magnolia trees, holly and hydrangea bushes. Myrtle we can promise, surrounding a profusion of blooms from spring through autumn.