In consideration of future growth, FEFC had explored purchasing property in other locations. However, there was a strong desire to remain in the Maplewood neighborhood in which the church had moved in 1991 with the purchase of the Hazelwood School. The opportunity to purchase property so close to the current location was seen as an answer from God to our prayers! We love our Maplewood location. In 2009, FEFC offered a few acres to the community for gardens. In 2010, Harvest Gardens was more formally organized with 350 plots and 150 gardeners. The gardens grew again in 2011 to 960 plots and 475 gardeners, in 2012 with 1240 plots and 625 gardeners, and since 2013 with 1160 plots and over 1000 gardeners. We have been richly blessed by the relationships formed with both neighbors and gardeners! In 2021 construction will begin on the west end of the property on a Senior Living/Skilled Nursing facility to serve Maplewood and surrounding communities. Harvest Gardens will be reduced to 600 plots. Sometime in the future, FEFC plans to expand the church facility on the Harvest Campus. In the meantime, we're enjoying sharing the land God has given with the community. |