Mary's Meadow

Transforming an Unattractive Slope Into a Beautiful WaterfallOver the past ten years or so, parishioners of Immaculate Conception Catholic Christian Church in Dudley have been building up an area of the church grounds known as Mary's Meadow in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholics honor Mary as the Mother of Christ and sometimes ask her to intercede with prayers to her Son. A gazebo-type building called the Grotto was erected and benches were added for the comfort of those wishing to sit and meditate.

Labor has been generously donated and no regular church funds were used for materials. Because funds were limited to receipts from yard sales, bake sales and private donations, progress has been slow. Until recently, that is, when a former parishioner named the church as recipient of a sizeable bequest in her will. The will stipulated that the money was to be used "for completion, maintenance, and restoration of the Grotto."

Since the funds could not be used for other purposes, a committee was formed to decide how best to utilize the funds to beautify the area. After much discussion, it was decided to take advantage of an existing slope near the building to construct a waterfall which would incorporate a statue depicting Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Invitations for bids were extended, with Tussey Landscaping awarded the contract. The contractor is currently constructing a lighted, six foot wide handicapped-accessible walkway from the parking lot to a pondless waterfall and the Grotto, featuring cobblestone pavers.

The waterfall is approximately 20'x30' with about 100 tons of large boulders plus tons of smaller rocks and river rock, and water flowing at the rate of 30,000 gallons per hour. A large patio with benches will be located at the foot of the waterfall, and many trees, shrubs and perennial flowers will complete the landscaping. This will make a very restful area for prayer or contemplation for parishioners and visitors. A portion of the funds received from the estate will be invested so that the interest can be used for maintenance of the area. No other church funds are being used for the project.