“Prayer Garden” in Rockland erects marble statue of Christ across from community church

Rockland Community Church’s planned “Prayer Garden” took a major step forward Saturday (July 30) when a tall, larger-than-life, white marble statue of Christ was lowered into position on its plinth overlooking a 40-foot-long koi pond.

A relatively small crowd, mostly members of a garden development committee, nervously watched as a team of three, including skid loader operator Thomas McGeath, lifted the statue into position to the relief of the onlookers who rewarded the team – Scott Hinkle and George McIntyre – with nervous, scattered applause in the early morning sunshine.

Photos Courtesy of Terri Barry

It was the beginning of a dream come true made possible by the late Sheron Smith-Piazza, a former church deacon and professional landscape designer who died earlier this year. Her husband, John Piazza, said: “Sheron loved everyone and wanted this garden to be a gift to all who visit.”

It was about four years ago when the Piazza’s “Gardening with God” committee came together at weekly Thursday evening meetings at their Milldale home, and just short of a year, religious dedication and consecration of the land were held, and the overall plan made public.

The garden, it was announced, would be highlighted by an “enormous cross cut into the ground with brick walkways surrounding the 40-foot long koi pond where the statue is now standing. Ultimately, it will be flood-lit after dark. According to committee members, a shortage of bricks may cause future construction delays.

White and pink dogwoods will surround the garden, and there is sufficient acreage available to open the area for concerts and other public activities.

The 14 Stations of the Cross will surround the entire garden. Benches will provide a place to sit and enjoy the gardens and the spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley mountains.

There are sponsorship activities, including the purchase of personalized bricks; trees may be purchased; and general donations will be used for maintenance, refreshing annual plants in the spring and fall, fish food, and any future expansions and improvements at the garden. To order bricks or to make any tax-deductible cash donations, call 540-635-8312.