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The church worship area is uniquely designed to incorporate two gardens that are viewed from the exterior of the building as well as included in the nave of the architectural structure. Black wrought iron gates introduce the motif of circles and crosses that are utilized throughout the sanctuary. In the interior of the sanctuary the gardens enhance the awareness of God's beauty and creation.
Central Garden
This central garden is the focal point for worshippers entering the sanctuary through the south narthex area or the Gathering Space. Among the evergreens and a meditation bench is a bronze statue of Saint Francis of Assisi. The statue was designed and cast by the Demetz Art Studio, located in the village of Ortisei in the Alps of northern Italy. The Demetz Art Studio is known throughout the world as a leader in design and manufacturing of statues in wood, fiberglass, bronze, and marble.
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South Sanctuary Garden
This 5' model is cast in heavy construction fiberglass. The fiberglass is mixed with a bronze colored pigment before casting to provide the statue with a consistent color. The mold for this piece was created from an actual woodcarving. The statue was added to the garden in October 2000.
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North Sanctuary GardenThis garden provides water flowing sounds as members pass by the exterior garden to the Education and Music areas of the church facilities. The central focus of this area is a water garden handcrafted by sculptor, Victor McLain from Purlear, in Wilkes County, North Carolina. The artist sees his work as "creating an atmosphere of peace and contentment with good energy and positive flow of thought; allowing us to get back in touch with the earth, with a creation from the earth." The water garden is intentionally placed near the baptismal area of the sanctuary as a worship focus to remember our baptisms. |
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