Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest Matthew 11:28
In 2009 the idea to enhance the Scout Hut with an outdoor meeting area was tossed around to our Scouts and Scout Leaders. An initial plan was put together to include benches, a firepit, a flagpole and maybe a few bushes. This idea sat idle until 2016 when Scoutmaster John Fletcher presented the idea to the Church Trustees in order to gain acceptance of the project to be built alongside the Scout Hut. After receiving the green light to move forward with this project we just had to wait until we found the money and or the boy(s) who could bring this project to life. In 2015 a few of our Scouts showed interest, but the project continued to lie idle.
In 2017, A rising Life Scout Timmy Robinette approached our leadership about tackling this aggressive project. The plan was refined, and the approach of creating a peaceful space in order that people may gather was put into motion by using the space as a Gathering Garden with benches, trees and other items purchased as 'in honor, or memory' so that Scout members, Church members, Youth members, and members of our community could find shelter and solace as people gather and enjoy this space. Timmy soon joined forces with Life Scout, Thomas Jolley to expand the project to include a stage, and other various amenities. An initial interest by local individuals and Church members started the ball rolling in late 2017 with dedications of a few trees and benches. By December the project had grown in interest and additional items were added to the project. Beginning in the Fall of 2017 the Troop helped launch this project along with the Life Scouts and work never ceased. Every Saturday and and few days a week project construction continued. In late Spring 2018 the final work was completed with Public Service making the gas connection to the firepit.
On June 3rd, 2018 we held our formal dedication service in the Garden on a warm Sunday afternoon. Pastor Sally Queen blessed the Garden and everyone enjoyed a hot dog lunch while listening to the sounds of Bluegrass music.
For a timeline of photos of this project CLICK HERE
The Gathering garden is intended as a public space to be enjoyed by all who seek rest. If you would like to reserve the Garden for an event, please email john@carolinabomanite.com for use and reservation information.
A great big thanks to so many that helped to make this project a reality. Besides the Boy Scouts and Pack members, so many Church members helped out with funds and memorials, Scout Dads who helped with construction and some of the "heavier" lifting. Volunteers who bought lunch, helped pick up roots and just showed their support - we thank you.
A Special thanks to...
The Robinette and Jolley Families
The John Fletcher Family & Carolina Bomanite Corporation
The Ron Dilworth Family
The Glenn Silverman and Jeff Hurley Families
Myers Memorial United Methodist Church Members
And all those that purchased an item for memory or in honor of....