SAUGUS — Reverend John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church is helping his community heal from the pandemic — one garden vegetable at a time.
Rev. Beach, along with members of the church council, the Saugus Garden Club and a number of local volunteers, is spearheading an effort to bring a community garden to Saugus that grows vegetables for families suffering from food insecurity during the global public health crisis and beyond.
While green seedlings have only just begun to poke through the soil over the past several days, Rev. Beach said the initiative has already proved to be a successful community endeavor.
“There are several literal and metaphorical fruits that come from this, and one is that we can get people who have been inside all year to get out and get to meet each other, and that’s been really a delight,” Rev. Beach said. “A number of people who have been shut in and feeling isolated have shown up, and we have about 25 to 30 people who come out on various Friday and Saturday mornings to help (with planting).”
The reverend said he and others on the church council first had the idea to start a community garden after seeing plants grow in an existing side garden next to the church.
“There are a couple of people on our church council who said, ‘you know, we should do that on a larger scale,’ particularly in light of the food insecurity people are experiencing in Saugus at this time,” Rev. Beach said. “That idea grew, and I spoke to a couple of people in the Saugus Garden Club, and they spread the word amongst themselves and at local schools.”
He added: “My wife and I thought, ‘what’s the most stimulating thing we can do with our stimulus check?’ And we thought that this would be it.”
Most of the produce — which includes carrots, lettuce, onions, radishes, tomatoes, watermelons, marigolds and much more — has been planted in a large, square plot behind the church-owned rectory across the street.
Once fully ripe, the majority of fruit and vegetables will be distributed to local food programs and those in need.
Julie Cicolini, co-president of meal service program Healthy Students – Healthy Saugus, is also involved in the church’s gardening efforts.
She agreed the initiative has helped Saugus residents bond with one another.
“I think it’s a wonderful way to get the community together,” Cicolini said.
As for Rev. Beach, he said the experience has taught him much about gardening and creating local food sources, and added that he hopes to eventually create a network of community gardens at churches throughout the North Shore.
“I knew nothing about gardening. I’ve lived in urban places my whole life — in downtown Montreal, in downtown Geneva, in Toronto, and suddenly (Saugus) seems like wilderness to me,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to be out here and to learn from members of the gardening club who have taught me all sorts of things about growing.”
The church and the Saugus Garden Club are currently seeking volunteers to assist with weeding and watering for one hour each week during the summer months. Those interested in participating can contact Rev. Beach by email at [email protected].
“The job is never done,” Rev. Beach said. “I am fearful about this. It’s possible that monster rabbits will come and eat the whole thing, but it’s already been fruitful. It’s been great because it’s working together with people from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s truly quite touching to see.
“We learned during COVID that we need each other a whole lot more than many of us previously realized. Actually being in conversation with people, and to work for the common good, will not only make the world a better place, but make us better people.”
