History: What began as a need to spruce up the pavilion and grounds around the church is growing in to a full-blown Garden ministry. With the enthusiasm and hard work of a small group of people, and the support of many others, the gardens are evolving into a place where loved ones can be remembered, events can occur, and purpose and peace can be found.

Cutting garden 2023 provides flowers for the altar every Sunday.
New split-rail fence demarcating the wildflower garden Fall 2023.
  • Hydrangea in bloom.
  • Devotion by Robert Phipps.
  • New picnic tables and completely revamped pavilion.
  • View of the vegetable garden.
  • Early plantings.
  • Miriam and Chuck at the garden.
  • Oliver wrapping young fruit trees.
  • Robin at rest.
  • Pumpkins with church.

Memory gardens: Perhaps the most important aspect of the garden is developing gardens and placing trees in memory of loved ones. The church had established “Hilda’s Garden” several years ago with transplants from Hilda Smith’s garden after she passed. We have planted blueberries and transplanted peonies in memory of Marcia Herbert, and planted apple and pear trees in memory of Pat Strange. Dwarf lilacs were planted in memory of “Our Parents.” We have planted white lilacs in memory of Annie and Phil Payette’s daughter Paula Giocobbe and her son. We put in a herbal garden in memory of Miriam Russell’s mother, and are showcasing the sculpture, “Devotion,” by Robert Phipps, a past member. A hydrangea was planted in memory of Thelma Davis. An apple was planted in memory of the Covid-19 victims and a mulberry tree was planted for the fruit for birds and people. Walk around an enjoy the plants and the plaques.

Every summer we participate in the Art Walk with Devotion, now having a QR code sign, and a new sculpture, Angel Gabriel, was put in place in 2023.

The Robert McLachlin Pavilion: We replaced boards and repainted the pavilion. Home Depot and a donor donated four new picnic tables and a new bed was laid down.

Church Rally Day BBQ at the newly painted pavilion.

Wildflower Garden: The Wildflower garden was seeded and signage was put up in 2021. We planted a flowering crab donated by Liz and Roger Shaw that spring. We have been transplanting all sorts of wildflowers and are seeing them flower and spread every year. Fall of 2023, we put in a split-rail fence to demarcate the area.

We are very excited to make our grounds a place of beauty and peace, as well as a welcoming space for the community and visitors. If you would like to help out, call the office at 603-823-8421 and leave your information or email the church at [email protected] and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.