The Gospel Garden
Welcome to the Gospel Garden!
Founded by St. Mark’s parishioner Brian Hollstein, the Gospel Garden began when a visit to the New Canaan Food Pantry revealed a lack of fresh produce for its clients. Moved by this need, Brian envisioned growing vegetables at the church to supply fresh food to the pantry. His detailed plan quickly gained support, marking the start of this fruitful journey.
Each year, the Gospel Garden grows over 2,000 pounds of organic vegetables, which are distributed through the New Canaan Food Pantry and Person-to-Person. The garden was inspired, in part, by the Victory Gardens from World War I and II, where communities including New Canaan cultivated gardens to support the war effort and ensure food security. This ministry is part of the Good News Gardens movement within the Episcopal Church, with St. Mark’s being at the forefront since the Gospel Garden’s founding in 2009.
Gospel Garden Fall Celebration - Hot Cider & Donuts!
Saturday, October 3 | 10AM–Noon
Come as one or with family and friends. It’s a chance to be outdoors, learn about this service ministry, and hear about our plans for next season with opportunities to volunteer or intern. This summer the garden produced almost 1,400 lbs. of fresh vegetables and fruit for our neighbors in need, most especially the New Canaan Food Pantry and Darien’s Person to Person. Show up in casual clothes at 10AM and stay as long as you can.
Interested? Contact the Church Office at 203.966-4515 or email churchoffice@stmarksnewcanaan.org.
Gospel Garden Leadership
John Michael Bain-Colon
Project Manager & Team Leader since 2024
Gospel Garden Team Members
- Bob Bouton
- Lili Lee
- Brian Hollstein
- Margaret Roscoe
- Lucas A. (summer 2026 intern)
- Griffin M. (summer 2026 intern)
Community Partners
We are grateful for the support of our community partners:
- Copia Home and Garden
- Summer Rain Sprinklers
- Hutchinson Tree Service
- New Canaan Community Foundation
- Rotary Club of New Canaan
- Boy Scouts Troop 70, New Canaan
We also extend gratitude to the New Canaan Food Pantry and Person-to-Person in Norwalk, who distribute our produce to those in need.
Want to know more? Be in touch by email, or call the Church Office at (203) 966-4515.
The Gospel Garden
A Brief History of The Gospel Garden: Meet the People who Make it Grow!
Check out these videos made over the years about the Gospel Garden!
The Youth
Why Every Church Should Have a Garden
Who’s Who at the Gospel Garden
