On Sunday, September 15, members of Christ Community Church in Brockport dedicated a new Memorial Garden. The garden features a circular stone patio with sitting walls and is integrated with a new deck that extends the church’s café social area outdoors. “The Memorial Garden serves as a quiet reflective area,” Beth LaRock said, “a place people can go to reflect on loved ones who have passed away but also a place for social gatherings.” Beth and her husband Doni LaRock were key planners of the project.
The landscaping and new structures bring to life the northeast area of the church property that was unused and partly overgrown, Beth LaRock said. “The perfect spot and the design” she said, were planned by different members of the church. “Adding a deck area off the café to work together with the new garden for events was an idea that had been thought of years ago.” A small boulder sits in the middle of the garden with a plaque reading: “Memorial Garden. Remembering those we’ve loved. ‘The memory of the righteous is blessed.’ Proverbs 10:7.”
The 16×36 deck, extending a café area outside, was built with professional supervision and church members donating their labor. The custom bench along the sidewalk was crafted by a church member in memory of his wife. The patio, pathways, and sitting walls were constructed by Jerry Opalecky and Trendsetters Landscaping. Others donated plants, shrubs, financial support, and physical labor. “We were also blessed with the help of two groups from the College at Brockport,” Beth said, naming Delta Phi Epsilon, Epsilon Mu Chapter sorority and a group of freshmen and transfer students who worked on the garden area at different times.
Anyone interested in naming a loved one and donating to the Memorial Garden may call the church at (585) 637-3949. Donations can also be made online at www.cccbrockport.org.
Provided information
9/22/13
