The garden project was launched by the CCHFS board as a means to commemorate the history of the original Covenant Children’s Home, founded in 1921, as well as celebrate the current and future ministries of the current organization.
The sculpture, located on the campus at 502 Elm Place in Princeton, depicts a young girl, seated on a bench and reading a book. The piece is located south of Nelson Chapel. The sculpture is the first of five that eventually will grace the garden upon its completion.
“When it is completed, the garden will provide a permanent, meaningful place for former residents, past employees, friends, and citizens of Princeton to visit, revive memories and be proud of their association with Covenant Children’s Home,” says CCHFS board member Ron Gustafson of Rockford. Gustafson also serves as chairperson of the garden project committee.
The garden is being developed on the site of the former residential buildings, with construction slated to begin later this fall. The garden will include paved walkways, comfortable bench seating and a waterfall.
The sculptures are the work of L’Deane Trueblood of St. George, Utah. Her work includes a series of life-size bronzes depicting children. Ms. Trueblood’s sculptures and paintings are found in public and private collections throughout the United States, as well as internationally. Her sculptures are included in a similar garden at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Rockford.
Covenant Children’s Home, founded by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, closed its residential program in 2001. Today, Covenant Children’s Home and Family Services is a part of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence.
The organization partners with several ministries to provide programs. Freedom House is situated in the 1981 residential building and provides services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Bureau County Health and Wellness Clinic, a faith-based medical clinic for the uninsured and underinsured, utilizes the former classroom building. Young Life, Easter Seals and other organizations also use the buildings and acreage for their programs. In addition, CCHFS has offered other programs – an intensive marital therapy retreat, a Bible Institute learning series and scholarships to college students.
To learn more about Covenant Children’s Home and Family Services or the Memorial Sculpture Garden, email Gil Williamson.
