Trinity United Methodist Church | Prayer Garden
1400 Oxmoor Road Homewood, Alabama 35209
Purpose
A special committee was formed at Trinity UMC to provide for its congregation additional opportunities for spiritual study and growth. The garden was envisioned as a place for individuals as well as small groups to gather and study, or to make the walk of a labyrinth as a path of prayer or silent meditation. A second need of the congregation was achieved in providing a location for inurnment as many church members desire to be close to their community, family and friends after death. This garden was designed connecting both uses into the sunken courtyard, providing a place of peace, meditation, and silence for all persons.
Role
The Landscape Architect was the team lead for the project. Our role included conceptual design thru construction documents, accessibility review, plans and details including main stair, special paving, fountain, landscape, lighting and the 286 unit columbarium layout. Other team disciplines included architect, civil, structural, and mechanical engineer.
Design (written by Rev. Susanne Pruitt)
The garden design reflects the stages of life that one passes thru. (East to West) Upon entrance to the garden, the fountain forecourt represents ones baptism into Christ, in which the rivers of God’s grace covers us with forgiveness and fills us with the faith to begin our ministry in the world. As one walks the Labyrinth, it is our daily walk with God. It signifies that our salvation is a lifelong experience in which the Holy Spirit grants sanctifying grace to renew the image of God in us. Our journey ends in the columbarium, where the holy saints in our lives who have loved us and have been leaders in our faith, enjoy the promise of our own eternal reward of God.
