Memorial Presbyterian Chapel Garden

Situated along the western edge of Forest Park welcoming visitors for over 92 years, Memorial Presbyterian Church is an architectural icon within the city of St. Louis. While the impressive gothic architecture houses many spaces for worship and gatherings, there are few signs from the outside of the warm and loving community thriving within. As the church looked towards its Building Community capital campaign, one of the critical spaces that needed to be addressed was The Chapel entry. SWT Design donated conceptual design services to transform the decaying side entrance, used for vehicles, trash dumpster, three entries that did not meet ADA, into a Chapel Garden designed to provide an accessible welcoming entrance for The Chapel’s public arts venue and a safe location for children to play.

Visioning for the garden revolved around the idea of fostering creativity and inclusive environment for the arts community and church members. Whether it’s the creative mind of an artist or the imagination of a child, the garden seeks to serve all who enter. A key component is safety and accessibility. Both the entries incorporate new accessible walkways and lighting. Ornamental fencing and decorative gates provide a safely contained space for children while still being inviting and open to guests.

The focal feature of the garden is a 30-ton granite carved lion along with three lambs. Conceptually inspired by Martin Luther King’s Nobel Prize speech; “And the lion and the lamb shall lie down together….” These playful sculptures engage both children and adults to play and sit while serving as a creative garden backdrop for Chapel events. SWT Design worked closely with the Capital Campaign committee and local artist Abraham Mohler to carry out this bespoke sculpture drawing inspiration from “The Chronicles of Narnia” and various themes within Scripture.

2022 Merit Award
St. Louis Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects

2022 Merit Award
Central States American Society of Landscape Architects