Heatley Rose Garden
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden has been established to meet a need for a solemn, restful place to inter cremains of loved ones. This garden has been established in June 2007 and is a part of Heatley Rose Garden. It is watched over by The Rose and Cross Sculpture, also a part of the Rose Garden area.
It will provide a place to inter cremains of loved ones, a restful area to observe the balance of the courtyard area and a place to meditate and pray.
Cremains interred here are those of church family and persons associated with First Baptist Church. A memorial tree has been placed inside the building. The leaves will be engraved with the name, birth and death date of those persons whose cremains are interred in the Memorial Garden. This tree art design is a memorial to Wesley W. King and Ross E. Walker.
The angel sculpture is a memorial to Shirley Ennis and is shown on the cover of this brochure. This sculpture along with landscaping designates the area where cremains are interred.
Heatley Rose Garden
Heatley Rose Garden was established in 1980 as the dream of and with guidance from Marilyn Walker (with much help from her husband Ross and son Mike) to honor Lynn Heatley and his family in recognition of their many contributions enriching our community. The Walkers and Heatleys have been long time members of First Baptist Church. Mr. Heatley taught school in Midland 40 years and was the first director of vocational and adult education in the public schools. He is responsible for developing the “Heatley Mix” grass seed that grows well in Midland and is still available in some local stores.
The rose bushes are given by families wishing to honor a loved one. The church maintains the garden as a quiet retreat for the enjoyment and inspiration of all who visit. It is hoped that all who feast on the sight and scent of hundreds of blossoms will see beyond them to God who is the giver of all good gifts.
The garden serves many purposes. Occasional outdoor worship services are held as well as social gatherings. The roses provide fresh flowers to use in worship as well as to give to people in the hospital, nursing homes and shut-ins in their homes.
The Rose and Cross Sculpture
Established in1985 this sculpture is located on the south wall of the church choir room. The rose and cross is an example of much love, care and compassion.
The Sculpture, a memorial to Thelma and Charles Crabb, was designed by Dale Harley and constructed by Oren Ross. All were members of the congregation of First Baptist Church (and fondly remembered for the many contributions they have made to this body).
The rose and cross stand for the divisions of existence; spiritual and physical, life and death. The cross supported Christ as He was lifted up to give us life. The cross of crucifixion supports the rose in quest of life-giving spirit.
The stem, with its weathered look, represents life on earth. The three leaves stand for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As the miracle of photosynthesis furnishes food for the plant, so the light of the Trinity feeds our spiritual growth. The thorn reminds us of Christ’s crown of thorns and the suffering, part of life.
The flower, sculpted abstractly, stands for the transcendent human spirit. Its bright copper illustrates the potential fruit of God’s Spirit in us. A dove forms the flower’s core while a seven-pointed flame appears in the petals and sepals. The central dove ascends and descends. Its descent portrays Jesus' anointing by the Holy Spirit at his baptism. The sepals form an olive branch in the dove’s mouth. The ascending dove symbolizes Christ’s ascension and this upward flight of those made new by his love.