GARDEN SANCTUARY

In June of 1993, an idea of a garden being built on the corner of Calaveras & Rodgers was born in the mind of Billy Dan Wadley during a weekend congregational planning session. A committee was asked to come forth with a workable design. A model was built by Ed Schwedler and after being approved by the congregation the idea became a dream. The Garden Sanctuary Committee members were:

Rowe Electric of Graham drilled the 20 in. by 6 foot deep hole for the cross, volunteering their services while also assisting in erecting the cross once the hole was placed. Dr. C.L. Sonnenberg, DDS, also contributed numerous loads of soil and the use of equipment in the construction of the garden.

On November 21^st, 1993, the Garden Sanctuary was dedicated. Since it was also Thanksgiving Sunday, the combined themes filled the day with the promise of tomorrow's vision and the thanksgiving for today's blessings.

On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1994, the first Easter Sunrise Service was held at 7 a.m. in the new Garden Sanctuary. The new cross stood out in the dim light, silhouetted against the morning sky. It was a crisp morning and many were bundled up in blankets. As the sun rose and we joined together in song, the chill was forgotten. Rev. Jim Wakelin gave the message and Martha Crews played the organ. Kathy Wchwedler and Jim Wakelin sang "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" as special music. Many people attended, including non-member guests.

In March and June of 1994, more work was done which created additional beds extending from either end of the main bed with the cross at 45⁰ angles. Later that same year four Red Oak trees were donated by Golda Howland in memory of her husband, Merle V. Howland. The trees were delivered and planted by Wichita Valley Nursery, Wichita Falls, Texas, at approximately 20 foot intervals from the main bed, 2 on each side. The tree beds are in raised beds, built by railroad ties to match the main beds.

In December, 1994, a manger complete with hay and wood cut-out characters was placed next to the Garden Sanctuary. The scene reminded passersby that the cross and manger belong together. The scene was well lit by flood lights on either side of the sanctuary which were donated by Richard Howland, son of Golda Howland.

On Saturday, March 25, 1995, work was completed on a platform which was nestled between the 45⁰ arms of the main bed arrangement. The work had taken place mostly during the preceding week. On this day the final planks were placed on the foundation and screwed into place. Richard Howland ran electric power to the sanctuary and placed an outdoor weatherproof box on the front of the bed for sound systems, keyboards, etc. The materials for the platform were donated by Aggie Hays.

 Additions to the Garden Sanctuary have been park benches and a sidewalk which extends the platform by another 6 feet and then extends to the main entrance of the church building. The sanctuary saw it's first wedding on July 4, 1997, as Krissy DeLynn Swiger married Christopher Thomas Milam. The Garden Sanctuary continues to be a focus of dedication and mission in holding up the cross to an unbelieving world.

Currently, the Garden Sanctuary is maintained by the volunteer efforts of the members of Memorial Christian Church. The watering and weeding is mostly accomplished through the efforts of Julia Watson, known fondly by some here as "Neil Sperry".

  As this sanctuary is a place of prayer and worship, we would like to extend to you the opportunity to deepen your spiritual life with one or more of the following options: