Tucked between a busy thoroughfare and a bustling shopping area is a small congregation with a heart to give back to the community.
“We have five-and-a-half acres and a lot of old trees. People would come by and have lunch here just because it’s such a peaceful place,” said the Rev. Ed Rees, pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, which recently put the finishing touches on its Augusta Community Prayer Garden on the grounds of the Wheeler Road facility. “We’re not a big congregation. We’re not a wealthy congregation, but we wanted to be a blessing to the community.”
The prayer garden features a pathway leading to a Celtic cross sculpture. Several benches encircle the cross. The area is surrounded by camellias, tea olives and Chinese fringe trees. Other plants at the site include redbuds, magnolias, and azaleas.
“There are more than 100 different types of plants,” said Bill Cravens, one of the church elders.
The garden has been in the plans for about five years, he said. One of the first projects included clearing the space for it.
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Earlier this year, the paving and installation of the benches, cross and plants began. It was close to completion in April with the remaining tea olives being planted in late December. Signature Grounds did much of the design, but church members did a lot of the planting.
The pathway, also in the shape of a Celtic cross, features memorial bricks. The church sold the bricks to raise funds for the project, which cost more than $22,000.
The bricks are two different sizes – 4-inch by 8-inch and 8-inch by 8-inch. While the design including the two different sizes seemed to work on paper, it didn’t work in reality. Extra bricks in a different color were added, creating yet another cross design.
“We thought we’d messed up, but it was providential,” said Rees.
Bill Cravens, left, an elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, and church pastor the Rev. Ed Rees, stand in the Augusta Community Prayer Garden next to the Wheeler Road church. Staff photo by Charmain Z. Brackett. 
Some of the bricks list the names of people, while others have Bible verses or a phrase from a poem. Some are dedicated to pets.
One of Rees’ favorite quotes is from the late Rev. Jerry Taylor, a lay pastor and member of St. Andrew.
The inscription reads, “My heavenly dad has cattle on 1,000 hills and taters underneath. I order steak & French fries anytime. Rev. Jerry Taylor, devoted to Christ.”
Since the pandemic began, the site has been used for more than its original intent.
Rees said they can set up chairs outside for Sunday services, and he’s held Wednesday morning prayer services on the site as well.
Future plans for the space could include a columbarium. While it’s still in the idea phase, Rees said he’s gotten some positive feedback on it.
“People love the idea of being on the property,” he said.
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church is located at 3551 Wheeler Rd.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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