Concept Video
Entering the Memorial Garden from 4th Street
​(by the church offices)

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St. Andrew’s Memorial Garden 

From the earliest times, Christians have paid very special attention to the mortal remains of human beings. While affirming that our true and eternal home is in God’s heavenly presence, the Church also has given honor and respect to the physical remains which have served as the “temple of the Holy Spirit” during our earthly lives. Beginning with the Catacombs in ancient Rome, and continuing into our own age, the Church throughout the centuries has set aside areas in or near their places of worship to inter and mark the physical and final resting place of its members.

In the early 1990s, parishioner Anne Wright dreamed of creating such a space at St. Andrew’s. Anne’s dream spread quickly to others in our community and soon fellow parishioners joined her to form a Memorial Garden Committee. Working together, the committee transformed their vision into reality in 1994.

In 2009, St. Andrew’s undertook a major renovation of our church buildings – expanding the campus to include new church offices and a fellowship hall (Chapter House), as well as a completely redesigned rectory (Gardener Cottage) and sanctuary (church). While there was much to celebrate with this necessary expansion, one area was left unfinished … the Memorial Garden.

That is, until now … 

The Vision …

Respectfully Preserve Currently Interred Loved Ones  The final resting place for loved ones already interred in the garden will not be disturbed. New granite plaques will be located on the Memorial Wall to identify their location.
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A New Memorial Wall   The new Memorial Wall will expand the number of spaces for memorial plaques by more than 100%. The wall will have a coquina stone finish with the new plaques made of an attractive, durable granite; able to hold up to the salt air and Florida elements (See sample on the bottom of page 3). They will replace our current deteriorating brass plaques. The new Memorial Wall will be located along the east part of the garden.

Expanded Space for Future Interments   The design for the Garden will provide a new gridded layout for future interments. Family and friends will easily be able to identify the specific location of their loved one(s) final resting place.

A Beautiful, Safe and Inviting Space   The vision is to create a space of peace and tranquility for all who visit their loved ones interred in the Garden. It will also serve to provide a beautiful, safe, inviting space for members of our wider Boca Grande community to come any day of the week, anytime of the day or night … to rest and reflect, pray or read, or to meet with a friend over coffee or with the clergy in private conversation or prayer.
​
Open Gathering Space   The vision for the garden design restores open spaces for parish fellowship (potlucks, welcome back events, outdoor concerts and lectures, etc.). With the addition of a small altar grounding the garden as a sacred space, there will also be the opportunity for small outdoor services like Evening Prayer, candlelight vigils, baptisms, weddings and funerals.The Vision …

Respectfully Preserve Currently Interred Loved Ones  The final resting place for loved ones already interred in the garden will not be disturbed. New granite plaques will be located on the Memorial Wall to identify their location.
​
A New Memorial Wall   The new Memorial Wall will expand the number of spaces for memorial plaques by more than 100%. The wall will have a coquina stone finish with the new plaques made of an attractive, durable granite; able to hold up to the salt air and Florida elements (See sample on the bottom of page 3). They will replace our current deteriorating brass plaques. The new Memorial Wall will be located along the east part of the garden.

Expanded Space for Future Interments   The design for the Garden will provide a new gridded layout for future interments. Family and friends will easily be able to identify the specific location of their loved one(s) final resting place.

A Beautiful, Safe and Inviting Space   The vision is to create a space of peace and tranquility for all who visit their loved ones interred in the Garden. It will also serve to provide a beautiful, safe, inviting space for members of our wider Boca Grande community to come any day of the week, anytime of the day or night … to rest and reflect, pray or read, or to meet with a friend over coffee or with the clergy in private conversation or prayer.
​
Open Gathering Space   The vision for the garden design restores open spaces for parish fellowship (potlucks, welcome back events, outdoor concerts and lectures, etc.). With the addition of a small altar grounding the garden as a sacred space, there will also be the opportunity for small outdoor services like Evening Prayer, candlelight vigils, baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Click here to view some of the plantings

The Financial Goals for our Appeal …
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•  We currently have $191,500 in gifts and pledges.

•  The cost of the Restoration portion of the project is $383,000.

•  Our goal is to raise $500,000 to allow for both the Restoration & Preservation of the Memorial Garden.