A Sacred place-a place of peace and solitude where one can ponder the wonder of creation, give thanks for God’s goodness and experience His amazing grace in meaningful ways. That and more is what the SAKLC Meditation Garden offers all.
Part of a larger piece of land, graciously given to the congregation over fifty years ago by the Blix family, the lot at the corner of Ringling Boulevard and N. Washington Drive, was left undeveloped because of regulatory restrictions. However, in the early 2000s, a thoughtful request to place a small memorial on the property as a way to remember a devoted, loving mother who had passed from this part of life much too young, gave birth to the idea of possibly using the land for a Meditation Garden.
Thanks to the untiring, capable efforts of Bill Buttaggi (the congregation’s Property Committee chair at the time) the concept of a common garden evolved into the stunning place now regularly enjoyed by so many.
Under Bill’s creative, watchful care, an unusable space was transformed into a lasting treasure that appropriately included a scatter garden area, Heaven’s Gate, where remains are able to be placed as loved ones are remembered.
The Garden, which was dedicated in March of 2005, continues to offer visitors, residents of the area and members of the church an unfettered place to meditate, absorb the beauty of nature and feel the fullness of God’s love. In addition, the Garden provides a warm, inviting setting for special worship services, intimate family celebrations, joy-filled musical/fellowship events and other meaningful gatherings.
The Meditation Garden at SAKLC is yet another visible witness to the congregation’s deeply felt, bold declaration,
“ALL ARE WELCOME.”
