THE MEMORIAL GARDEN
By Diane Eldon Kenefic (August, 2007)
The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them. In the eyes of the Unwise, they appear to die. . . But they live in peace. Wisdom 3
A beautiful, solemn and significant change to our church buildings and grounds was the transformation of the courtyard. During 1963, The Reverend Carl Sayers, parishioner Ann Diemer and several others began to explore the possibility of having a cemetery on the grounds of St. Stephen’s. The city of Troy’s regulations for such a concept, however, were prohibitive. Then, in September 1964, Herbert Alden died. Father Sayers approached Herbert’s wife, Mary Jo about interring her husband’s ashes on the church grounds. After prayerful consideration of this proposal, Mrs. Alden believed this would, indeed, be very special as well as most appropriate. Later that fall Herbert’s ashes were placed in the courtyard, renamed to, and still lovingly known as, “The Memorial Garden.”
Over the years improvements further enhanced the area. A graceful walkway
provides access through the garden where the ashes of so many dear friends and
relatives from our St. Stephen’s parish family are interred. A bench provides
comfort to those who wish to sit in the Memorial Garden. The sculpted cross by
Pamela Stump (1980) is now on the north wall, lights illuminate the Garden at
night, and automatic sprinklers provide nourishment to all of the garden.
To date, the ashes of 80 loved ones are interred in this beautiful setting under the birch and dogwood in the Memorial Garden at the church they called home.
The Reverend Jonathan Sams once wrote, “In our Memorial Courtyard, sheltered from the rigors of Michigan weather, are marvelous dogwood trees which blossom in dazzling splendor every spring. Our life of faith swirls around this serene and central place, where it is beheld and loved by Christ . . . ”
The Memorial Garden is indeed a most serene
and holy place located centrally within our church buildings. It provides a
natural and peaceful atmosphere where we may connect to our Lord. Often it is
the first sight viewed by people entering St. Stephen’s – and what a striking
picture it presents.
The joyous color of the spring flowers, and the myrtle, ornamental grasses, and other flora augment the Memorial Garden as a place both spectacular and serene to honor our loved ones.
Each year we remember and honor those persons whose ashes are buried in the Memorial Garden. Please take a moment to read their names embossed on the plaques on the north wall of the Gathering Area and recall how they may have touched your life. Pause as you walk passed the Memorial Garden on your way to the Parish Hall or classrooms to behold its splendor. Spend time walking or sitting in the Garden to meditate, reflect, and pray. You will be filled with the grace of God and surrounded by His love as well as the love of those who have departed this life in peace.
This page last updated: 08/04/2007