For more than three decades, the memorial garden has held the remains of people we have loved and lost. It is holy ground where we’ve stood at committals, where families return on anniversaries, and where many of us will rest one day.

Time and weather have taken their toll. Drainage has failed, plantings have outgrown the original design, and markers have shifted. The garden needs care and room to grow.

Following a 2014 design, the renewal proceeds in five phases:

1. clearing shrubs, stumps, and trees, with each marker photographed and its location recorded;

2. a new concrete border along the church wall to protect the base of the building;

3. a brick retaining wall and improved drainage so water moves away from the bed;

4. regrading so the bed is raised and shaped to drain well for years to come; and

5. new plantings guided by the Memorial Garden committee

We are grateful to Marilyn and David Larson, who have given a generous gift to establish the Courtyard Endowment Fund, dedicated to the care of our courtyard, especially the memorial garden and labyrinth. A portion of their gift gets this renewal underway, and the fund will help sustain the garden after the work is finished.

The first four phases are estimated at about $12,800; landscaping is still being priced. The Larsons’ gift gets us started, but most of the cost will come from gifts like yours.

If you have loved ones resting in the garden, or have reserved a place there yourself, we especially invite you to join in this work. Any funds remaining when the project is complete will go into the Courtyard Endowment Fund.

This is a gift beyond your annual pledge. Please continue supporting St. Peter’s ministry through your pledge this season. This invitation is for those who feel called to do something more for this particular place.

Make a commitment using the form below, or contact Fr. Jason.