In a world that seems to be always busy, even in a small town, there needs to be a time and a place to just slow down. The idea for just such a place in Eagle Grove was sparked with the donation of two memorial benches to the United Methodist Church in memory of Janet Kramersmeier and Lois Gearhart. Those, along with an account set up for memorial funds, gave members of the church just the project they had been searching for.
“It was the Holy Spirit who planted the idea in my head,” said Melody Amonson, the UMC parishioner who presented the idea of a Prayer Garden on the east side of the church in memory of deceased loved ones.
“Our goal (for the memorial money donations) has been an outreach program…and this will be a wonderful addition,” added UMC member Pat Manues.
UMC Pastor Alaire Willits, who has been with the church since July of 2020, said she sees the Prayer Garden as “A way to let people have a place to connect to God, to find quiet in the midst of business…and a way to add some color and life to the church.”
Preliminary work has already begun, with the removal of a sick tree that once stood there and the approval of city permits. A Ground-Breaking Ceremony was also held on Sunday, Sept. 19. Kelly Amonson is scheduled to begin concrete work this fall, with the Gazebo/Pavilion and landscaping to come next spring.
“It's really a vision and dream of several members, in memory of loved ones and will be for ALL the community,” said Willits.
The Prayer Garden will feature flat and wide sidewalks to make it easily accessible for people with wheelchairs and walkers to access. You will also be able to get to the Prayer Garden from either the parking lot or the sidewalk.
While some of the specifics are still being worked out, the committee made up of Peg Hill, Del Kramersmeier, Kaye Calligan, Barb Johnston, and Melody Amonson have considered asking the high school shop class to help with some of the construction, as well as the Eagle Grove Boy Scouts who they would like to have make some trash cans.
All will be welcome at the Prayer Garden, regardless of age, religion, etc. It’s intention is to be what people need it to be, whether it’s a peaceful place to worship, a place to find quiet, a place to talk with a friend, or a place to rest.
The committee is using a quote by Dorothy Frances Gurney as their motivation: “Nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on Earth.”
“And it’s a way for the church to be a bigger part of the community…and a way to beautify the town some more in addition to all the other main street work going on…a way to remember those who have been leaders in our faith,” added Willits.
