Rockland ‘Prayer Garden’ ground-breaking ceremony set for Thursday, August 19 – all are invited

Through the efforts of two members of Rockland Community Church, Sheron Piazza and Mary Marshall, and members of a Bible study group they formed, the dreams and prayers of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Vince McLauglin, church pastor, are coming to pass.

On Thursday, August 19, at 5:30 p.m., a ground-breaking ceremony and consecration of the church property at the Rockland Road/Fairground Road intersection in Warren County, will be held, launching a community prayer garden project which, in November, is scheduled to be opened to the public “for all who need a quiet place to pray, reflect, meditate, and find peace,” according to Sheron Piazza, its principal architect.

Said Marshall: “This project is anointed by God. He is using our group to build a place where the community can come to the garden, be still and know that God is present, then leave the garden knowing it is well with their soul.”

Dominated by white marble, eight-foot-tall, a statue of Christ, fully illuminated at night, water bubbling at its feet as though Christ is walking on water, the acre of ground which extends along Fairground Road to the local cemetery will also feature a large cross, cut into the landscape. Inside the cross will be a 40-foot x 8-foot Koi pond, brick walkways, four white benches, Dogwood trees surrounding the garden, and a mass of flowering shrubs highlighting the landscaping.

A marble statue of Christ will overlook the Rockland prayer garden. – Courtesy Photo Sharon Piazza

Some $20,000 has already been raised by the group to pay for the statue. An estimated $35,000 more is needed to meet the cost of the remainder of the building and maintenance of the garden, which is designed by Sheron Piazza and Marshall, both having careers in gardening and landscaping design in their backgrounds.

Members of the “Gardening with God” group which has been meeting Thursdays at the Piazza residence are group leader Mary Marshall; Bill and Terri Barry; Bobbie Spengler; Scotty, Karen and Cameron Williams; Cody and Carmen Pelham; Carol Goddard; Christine McLaughlin; Scott and Dawn Hinkle; Steve and Diane DiPasquale; Jesse and Pam Fox; John and Sheron Piazza; George and Karen McIntyre; Krystal Rollison; Linda Litchfield; Lynda Turner; and Nancy Smith. Terri Barry designed the cross.

McIntyre said he may be contacted by phone (540) 683-1957) by people or businesses and other organizations wishing to buy engraved memorial bricks which will be used for the construction of walkways, or to donate otherwise toward completion of the garden. Commenting on the project, McIntyre said: “We had a calling to help our neighbors and friends to provide a spot for people who wish to pray and to have some quiet time.”

Following its opening, the garden will contain a kiosk offering the ability to inquire about the Rockland church, counseling, support groups, youth groups, and learn about the Gospel and teaching of Christ. Visitors will also be able to make prayer requests.

Pastor Vince McLaughlin of Rockland Community Church – the realization of a dream come true! – Courtesy Photo Lifetouch/Family Photography

Rev. McLaughlin and Pastor Marshall will preside at the Thursday ground-breaking, alongside McIntyre, Sheron Piazza, and members of the “Gardening with God” study group.