Main Street United Methodist Church Consecrates New Peace Garden

Talk of the Town - May 2025

The quiet retreat is intended for contemplation and prayer.

- by Kirby Rhodes

On May 4, the Main Street United Methodist Church consecrated the grounds of the Peace Garden after installing a new fountain with the original steeple spire as the top piece. The silhouette of the spire, along with the rest of the steeple, is a shape that is widely recognized along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, especially in Bay St. Louis. 
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Nearly 20 years ago, this symbol of faith laid strewn across Second Street, after being torn from the roof of the church by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. In the aftermath of the Storm, massive cleanup efforts were underway with little consideration for the meaning and sentimentality of the items being cleared. Harold Carver, a Bay St. Louis local, stood strong in front of the steeple, refusing to allow anyone or anything to crush it and clear it away. 
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The plaque reads: In Gratitude to the Leo Seal United Methodist Church Trust

 
The spire and steeple were moved to lay in front of the church (see photo above), where they remained until architect Larry Jaubert stepped up to redesign the steeple. His creation was built to last and withstand any future storms. The original spire, designed by Hamilton Peter Geunard and estimated to be about 50 years old, was integrated into the fountain to memorialize and celebrate the recovery of the community after Katrina.  
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The Peace Garden and the fountain were funded by the Leo Seal United Methodist Church Trust. Many members of the church worked hard to plan, then implement, the ceremony held on that beautiful Sunday morning. 
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The church hopes the Peace Garden will offer a quiet place for those seeking community and restoration. The Peace Garden Plaque reads: 
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This hallowed ground of Main Street United Methodist Church was dedicated in May of 2025 to ensure a quiet place of comfort and remembrance.

The focal point is the fountain, which features the spire from the steeple. During the fury of Hurricane Katrina (August, 2005), the steeple, created by Hamilton Peter Guenard, was detached and landed in the middle of Second Street. When the Army Corps of Engineers tried to crush and remove the steeple as part of the clean-up efforts, local Harold Carver refused to let the steeple and spire be destroyed. It was instead moved to the front of the church. In time, the steeple was restored atop this historic church, a true sign of hope and renewal to the struggling community.

The spire and fountain are dedicated to the Seal family, who were visionary in protecting this beautiful church and grounds. You are in a living place of worship and a memorial to those dedicated to maintaining our church and grounds. This garden, like our world, is ever-evolving, while our God is our constant Creator and Comforter. We encourage you to pause here and remind yourself of that truth, and leave feeling restored and renewed. 

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