The Healing Prayer Garden

For those visitors to St. Peter’s seeking a quiet place to be alone with their thoughts and prayers, the Colin E. Atterbury, M.D. Memorial Healing Garden provides just such a refuge. This very special garden was donated by Andrew Sorbo, Dr. Atterbury’s spouse, and partner of thirty years. Hidden away behind the fence that separates the parking lot at Humiston School and St. Peter’s Cemetery, this beautiful space is dedicated to healing prayer.

What was once a tangled mass of old trees and bushes is now a peaceful place for meditation. The vision for the garden became a reality in the hands of Sandi Baker, a long-time member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The plants and trees were given in memory of loved ones by parish members. A round pathway is lined with markers that carry healing thoughts and prayers from many faith traditions. Two beautiful, covered benches—built by John Ciaburri for his Eagle Scout project—provide shade for those who wish to linger. Another enterprising Eagle Scout, Connor Michaud, designed, built and installed the handsome signpost St. Peter’s Cemetery nearby.

The great 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic Rumi once said, “the wound is the place where the light enters you.” Here, in this secret garden, we hope people from many faith traditions, or from no tradition at all will find healing and refreshment, as they allow the light to begin the healing of wounds that the world has inflicted.

St. Peter’s is also lucky to have had the hard work and horticultural knowhow of Chris Aliano and Judy & Pieter Van Heiningen, who have maintained and even expanded the surrounding grounds and gardens in keeping with the spirit of Andrew Sorbo’s generous gift.