Pathway of Remembrance
“She turned…and saw Jesus.” John 20:14 NIV
At first Mary Magdalene thought He was the gardener. “Woman,” He said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ (John 20:15). But when He called her name, “Mary” (John 20:16), she knew it was Jesus. In exultation she went to the disciples and proclaimed “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18)
Mary’s meeting the resurrected Jesus in the garden on that first Easter morning was the inspiration for the beautifully hymn, “In the Garden”, written by C. Austin Miles (1868-1946). Second in popularity to “Amazing Grace”, “In the Garden” continues to be sung by millions of Christians all around the world.
On Sunday afternoon, June 9th, thirty worshipers gathered in the Meditation Garden at Hospice of Laurens County to dedicate the brick pathway that passes through the garden. To date more than 150 bricks have been engraved in memory and in honor of very special loved ones. The hymn “In the Garden” set the tone for our worships. Not only was it sung by the worshippers who gathered, but also five different versions were played during the reception that followed.
In the closing moments of the gathering the worshipers stood around the pathway while a soft rain fell. A trumpet in the distance played “Taps” as we paid respect to the veterans whose names appears on some of the bricks. Then, as the refrain in “In the Garden” was played, the worships placed freshly gathered, rain moistened roses from the garden atop the bricks that honored their loved ones.
It was a special time. It was a special place. There, in the garden, we felt the present of our resurrected Lord.
Dan
The brick Pathway of Remembrance is an on-going project of Hospice of Laurens County’s SECURING THE FUTURE campaign. To reserve a brick in memory of or in honor of your loved one submit this form along with payment to HOLC, PO BOX 178, Clinton, SC 29325. Payment is accepted by mail or online.
For more information about this project call Betty Norman, Administrative Assistant, 64-833-6287, or contact Dan Compton by Email: dcompton@HospiceofLaurensCounty.com.
