The A.R.E. Meditation Garden in Virginia Beach was recently renamed the Harris Prayer and Meditation Garden after being renovated, expanded, and beautified, thanks to a large donation by A.R.E. member Samuel D. Harris. But who is this generous benefactor?

A native of Canada, Dr. Harris was seven when his family moved to Detroit. Now retired, he had a busy dental practice there for 54 years.

"I remember the first time I sat in that garden," Dr. Harris said. "I was attending a conference.It was a pleasure just sitting. It's really one of the best places I've ever been - I can't describe the feeling I have when I'm there. I thought, If this place makes me feel this way, what could it do for others? So, three years ago, sitting here, I decided I wanted to give a little something back. You can lose yourself there in that garden. It's going to be a real breath-taker when every- thing grows up."

The real motivation behind Dr. Harris's unusual gift was Edgar Cayce, the man. Dr. Harris hadn't heard about Edgar Cayce until nearly 20 years ago. He can't remember what book inspired him - he thinks it was There Is a River - but what he does remember was that he simply could not believe what he read.

"Impossible! That was my first thought," Dr. Harris said. "I read some more and I think the first time I went to A.R.E., I went to prove that this simply could not be. The psychic world was one I never believed or disbelieved. It did not take me long, though, to realize that Cayce was so accurate in his medical readings; and he was just as surprised by the information as the person getting the reading! That was impressive. I'd never read anything like his story. "

Another thing that impressed me was that Edgar Cayce was an ordinary man. You don't have to read much to pick up on that. He was ordinary, he was sensitive, kind, and wanted to help out.

'When things became very urgent during World War 11, Cayce gave up everything to help the families who had boys overseas. He sat for many readings a day - knowing it would probably kill him. Eventually, that was the thing that did him in. But he kept on going as long as he could. I guess there's a lesson for all of us - just keep going."

Dr. Harris says that the new meditation garden is a way for him to show his appreciation for Cayce, his work and legacy.

'I just want people to enjoy it as much as I do -that's all."

Now that the work is done, there is more to enjoy than before.

The new garden has a waterfall, a footbridge, stone walkways, more benches, a wooden stairway leading to the garden, and a lighting system. When Dr. Harris saw it in October he was pleased.

"They have really gone all out on it, haven't they?" he said, surveying the newly designed garden. "I found this wonderful spot while I was at a conference a few years ago. Something told me that the garden had all the earmarks for something great. Looking at it now, completed -well, words are inadequate. It's just beautiful.'

Dr. Harris, his wife Marian, son Paul and his wife JoAnne were all present for the dedication ceremony of the Harris Prayer and Meditation Garden, October 2. Nearly 100 people attended and heard Charles Thomas Cayce honor the Harrises for their generosity.

An Article by Robert J. Grant
Originally published in Venture Inward