University of St. Thomas Houston

Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Campus Landmark

    1. Douglas Meredith McDugald Meditation Garden

      The garden is a gift from an anonymous donor in memory of Douglas McDugald.  The garden consists of plants with Biblical references. At the entrance to the garden is a stand of palm trees, calling to mind the celebration of Jesus as King of the Jews.  Located in the center of the garden is a cross-shaped water fountain. The flowing water is symbolic of the living waters of Baptism. Nearby grows a cedar of Lebanon, mentioned in the Old and New Testaments as a sign of God’s strength. A fig tree represents the fruit Christ wants us to bear in the world. Gethsemane, or the Garden of Olives where Christ took on the weight of each person’s sins, is remembered in the olive tree. The weeping willow symbolizes how the people of Israel wept by the waters of Babylon during exile.