The Garden Chapel is an integral part of our beautiful school campus. With the mountains in the distance and the attractive plantings growing and flowering, one can meditate upon the great gifts of God as well as become aware of the communion of saints in the heritage of the Church.

It is an ancient custom to have a burial ground near a church. It was sometimes referred to as "God’s Acre" and considered sacred ground. Emmanuel School of Religion has set aside this dedicated ground so that this ancient tradition would continue here in East Tennessee.

The Garden Chapel and grounds are kept in excellent condition under a continuing care arrangement, with the supervision of the Garden Chapel Committee.

Making the Garden Chapel a Reality

The idea of a memorial garden for Emmanuel was proposed in conjunction with the design of a prayer garden. It is a place where people may go for contemplation and reflection.

The concept was approved by the trustees of Emmanuel along with the design of the Emmanuel Village construction which began in 2000 and continues to this day.

Use Of The Garden Chapel

The Garden Chapel is designed for use by members of the Emmanuel School of Religion family, and others upon approval of the school administration. In the first phase of construction there are 616 inurnment spaces in the columbarium. Each may be used for one or two urns.

Cast bronze plaques are provided to mark each space with names engraved of those to be commemorated. The Garden Chapel is open for public visitation when special memorial
 services are not in progress.