Local News
Rockland Community Prayer Garden formally dedicated at ceremony attended by hundreds
An overcast (but not rainy) day did not detract from the formal dedication of the spectacular Rockland Community Prayer Garden across from the historic local church just opposite. The dedication and opening on Saturday morning (April 29) prompted one visitor to remark, “This is quite the most beautiful, the most spectacular garden I have ever seen.”
And most, including visiting Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, agreed, as did the several hundred parishioners and visitors who, sheltered from any possible rain on the knoll overlooking the estimated three-acre plot that now is the site of a 40-foot long koi pond and surrounding area. The pond is highlighted by a life-sized marble, hand-crafted statue of Christ standing on the water, which will be illuminated at night.
The garden, resplendent in spring and upcoming summer flowers, is for the use of everyone wishing a quiet place for reflection, contemplation, prayer, or just to sit and read a book. Several church members met weekly for 18 months at the home of Sheron and John Piazza (he’s now the head deacon of the 75-year-old church on the corner of Rockland and Fairground roads) and where the now late Sheron Piazza, a retired landscaper, dreamed of, then designed, the garden and its updated environs. These, now for all to see, are footpaths, driveways, parking lots, paving with inscribed memorial bricks galore, benches and dogwood trees further decorating the landscape.
The hymn, “In The Garden,” sung by local opera personality, soprano Melissa Chavez, accompanied by the Randolph-Macon Academy choir, was perhaps the most appropriate rendition of the morning, joined in by all attendees.
Rockland Community Church’s relatively new pastor, Bill Orndoff, performed the official dedication ceremony with help from the entertaining though serious Lieutenant Governor and followed by the church’s longtime interim pastor, the Rev. Mark Jordon, a Front Royal Rotarian, along with George McIntyre, the church’s board chairman and one of the garden’s leading donors and activists. Also in attendance was the former longtime church minister, Bishop Vince McLaughlin, who gave the invocation.
“This is a garden for all the people. We pray it will be used by everyone, as this garden represents the unity of all people and the resurgence of faith in our local community and our nation,” Orndoff said in a written message.
Others remarked, looking skyward, “Sheron Piazza’s dream has come true!”
Watch the dedication ceremony in this exclusive Royal Examiner video.
