A Trinity of Gardens for Spiritual Nourishment
St. Johannes is surrounded by a trinity of gardens, each of which is unique and inviting. These gardens were created to further the mission of St. Johannes . . . the heart of God in the heart of the city.
The Garden of Beatitudes
The first garden we developed stands between St. Johannes and St. Andrew's Lutheran Churches and is directly behind the altar area of the Taizé chapel. This treasure was established by Martha Bailey, wife of former St. Johannes pastor, Reverend Dr. Lynn Bailey.
Our largest and most lovely garden has recently been given a major "face-lift" mainly due to the selfless devotion, leadership, and funds from council persons, Susan Crocker and Albie Duc. But also, many dedicated church members have given up many hours in recent months helping to create this beautiful outdoor "sanctuary". Notice the gorgeous Charleston brick and bluestone patio, and the newly-planted trees, shrubs, and flowers! Initially, the garden received its name because it features the Beatitudes carved in the adorning stones throughout the garden.
However, what once began merely as a quiet, contemplative place of solace from the hustle and bustle of the city, is now also a memorial garden in which some members spread the ashes of dear departed loved ones.
St. Francis of Assisi
In the center of the garden is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, which stands on top of an altar built by a parishioner from stones, many of which are old cobblestones from the Charleston area. In the past, the altar was frequently used, as weather permited, for communion during the then-weekly Taizé service.
Until recently, all of the flowers planted in the Garden of Beatitudes were white, depicting the purity of the saints and the simplicity of the beatitudes.
On the brick wall at the rear of the garden hang two important symbols: a hand-made bronze cross and a Jewish menorah. Both of these lovely pieces of art reflect St. Johannes' Judeo-Christian beliefs.
The garden is open to the public and is accessible by the path beside the former St. Andrew's Lutheran Church on Wentworth Street.
Meditation Garden
Our second garden is a meditation garden, located between the church parsonage and the main sanctuary. This lovely garden houses a fountain of cherubs which are located in a position that radiates out from the altar inside the church, symbolic of the love of Christ pouring out from the elements of his body and blood as living waters to the world.
Michael, the archangel and protector of Israel, is present in the garden to remind us of the protection God provides us. A reminder inscribed in stone states that, "There is always music among the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it."
This garden is accessible by the walkway to the left of the sanctuary on Hasell Street.
Mary Garden
The third garden is our Mary Garden.
This garden is located directly behind the sanctuary on Anson Street and is open to the public for meditation.
It was dedicated in December 2005 by The Most Reverend Robert Baker, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston. This garden focuses on a statue of Mary which is youthful and innocent in appearance, as she holds her son, Jesus. Flowers in the garden are all symbolic of Mary by tradition. In the center of the garden is a fountain made of an old millstone found in the Ansonborough neighborhood in the early 1900's. At night the fountain and statue of Mary are lit. The waters of the fountain "dance" on the wall behind, flickering on a cross.