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

Blessed are the . . .

The first garden to be developed stands between St. Johannes and St. Andrew's Lutheran Churches and is directly behind the altar area of the Taizé chapel.  It began as a garden featuring the Beatitudes carved in the adorning stones throughout the garden.  What began as a solace from the noise of the city has become a memorial garden for the spreading of ashes.    

In the center of the garden stands an altar built by a parishioner from stones, many of which are old cobblestones from the Charleston area.  The altar is frequently used, as weather permits, for communion during the weekly Taizé service.  All of the flowers planted in the Garden of Beatitudes are white, depicting the purity of the saints and the simplicity of the beatitudes.

To the rear of the garden is a fish pond where a statue of St. Francis stands.  On the wall to the back of the garden are two important symbols - One is a hand-made bronze cross, and the other is a menorah - both making statements of our Judeo-Christian beliefs.

The garden is open to the public and is accessible by the path beside St. Andrew's Lutheran Church on Wentworth Street.

Meditation Garden

The second garden is a meditation garden, located between the church parsonage and the main sanctuary.   This garden houses a fountain of cherubs which are located in a position which 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 is present in the garden to remind us of the protection God provides for us.

A reminder in stone is the fact 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 a Mary Garden.  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.  

I sing of a maiden that is matchless;

King of all kings, for her son she chose.

He came all so still where his mother was,

As dew  in April that falleth on the grass.

He came all so still to his mother's bowr,

As dew in April that falleth on the flower.

He came all so still where his mother lay,

As dew in April that falleth on the spray.

Mother and maiden was never none but she;

Well may such a lady God's mother be.

                                                                          Anonymous

This garden is located directly behind the sanctuary on Anson Street and is open to the public for meditation.

St. Johannes Lutheran Church

48 Hasell Street  ~  Charleston, SC  29401

843-722-8906