A Look Inside
the Garden:
Our Sculptures
The Minnesota Prayer Garden is home to eight works of bronze and Corten steel sculptures, beautiful pathways, and inviting landscaping.
I-35 Cross
Max Greiner – 2002
This larger than life cross stands at the entrance of the 22.5 acre property, welcoming you. The I-35 cross illustrates Jesus’ resurrection, reinforcing the idea that he is alive, not dead. This piece is the tallest sculpture standing at 77 feet 7 inches tall.
The fact that the cross is “open” is inspired by The Light of the World passage in John 8:12 and is there to remind guests that being open truly allows the light to shine through.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
I-35 Cross
This larger than life cross stands at the entrance of the 22.5 acre property which houses theMinnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden, welcoming you to the space. The I-35 cross illustrates Jesus’ resurrection, reinforcing the idea that he is alive, not dead. The piece was built in 2023 at the request of Dr. Tim Peterson, and is the tallest work in the garden at 77 feet 7 inches tall.
The fact that the cross is “open” is inspired by The Light of the World passage in John 8:12 and is there to remind guests that being open truly allows the light to shine through.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
The Coming King
Max Greiner JR.- 1998
In “The Coming King,” Jesus is featured prominently on top of a white horse, and symbolizes the Messiah returning in judgment of those who have rejected him and refused to allow him to rule over their lives. This powerful sculpture was done by Max Grenier Jr. in 1998, and is one of the only art pieces known to depict this incredible moment.
This stunning, life size sculpture was inspired by Revelation 21 and 22, and is a powerful reminder to guests of Jesus’ return.
The Great Commission
Max Greiner JR. – 1996
“The Great Commission” was carved by Max Grenier Jr. in 1996, and illustrates the importance of Christ’s assignment to His church. This sculpture symbolically unites the Holy Bible, the world whom Jesus came to save, and the Rock, Jesus himself. The Bible in the sculpture feature verses from John 3:16 and Matthew 24:35.
The piece stands prominently in the garden, coming in at 800 pounds and standing at over 6-feet tall and 4-feet wide. “The Great Commission” will allow you to experience Jesus’ commission to his disciples, and fill you with inspiration.
The Great Commission
Max Greiner JR. – 1996
“The Great Commission” was carved by Max Grenier Jr. in 1996, and illustrates the importance of the assignment Christ gave to his Church as recorded in the Bible. This sculpture symbolically unites the Holy Bible, the world whom Jesus came to save, and the Rock, Jesus himself. The Holy Bible in the sculpture feature verses are from John 3:16 and Matthew 24:35.
The piece stands prominently in the garden, coming in at 800 pounds and standing at over 6-feet tall and 4-feet wide. “The Great Commission” will allow you to experience Jesus’ commission to his disciples, and fill you with inspiration.
Fisher of Men
Max Greiner JR.- 1994
The “Fisher of Men” sculpture was carved by the artist Max Greiner Jr. who worked on it for over a year beginning in 1994. Greiner Jr. was meticulous in his research, going as far as working with Biblical fishing experts to ensure an unmatched level of accuracy and detail. Hundreds of people have noted how true to life the finished work is.
This incredibly detailed, life-size sculpture depicts Jesus holding a 25-foot net as he calls on Simon, Peter, and Andrew to be fishers of men and spread the good word. This piece serves as a reminder that we are never alone, and that we can all be “fishers of men” in our own lives.
The Divine Servant
Max Greiner JR.- 1986
“The Divine Servant” was sculpted in 1986, and was Max Greiner Jr.’s first Christian work. The piece has become renowned as a symbol of Christ’s servitude, and is recognized as a masterpiece around the world.
This bronze sculpture shows Jesus the night before his crucifixion as he washes the feet of his disciples. This life size, inspiring work serves as a reminder to all to walk in humility toward and serve others.
The Divine Servant
Max Greiner JR. – 1986
“The Divine Servant” was sculpted in 1986, and was Max Greiner Jr.’s first Christian work. The piece has become renowned as a symbol of Christ’s servitude, and is recognized as a masterpiece around the world.
This bronze sculpture shows Jesus the night before his crucifixion as he washes the feet of his disciples. This life size, inspiring work serves as a reminder to all the importance of serving others and living humbly toward one another.
The Finished Cross
Dr. Tim Peterson – 2023
“The Finished Cross” was conceived and designed by Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden founder, Dr. Tim Peterson. This sculpture is 40 feet tall and 12.5 feet wide, and depicts the finished work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The crown, the spikes and the sign are all resting at the foot of The Finished Cross signifying that Jesus’ redemptive work is complete. The piece was designed to show the victorious end to his work.
Hope
Beverly paddleford – 2000
“Hope” is ministering to women, as well as men and families, as a visual
reminder of the hope, healing and forgiveness that Jesus so lovingly offers
to all who have lost a child to early death for any reason…whether from
miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, accident or illness. Even those who have
given a child in adoption, are dealing with wayward children or are unable to
conceive a child, find comfort in the “Hope” monument.
This bronze sculpture can be placed indoors or outdoors. It is often placed
in a garden-type setting, where visitors can see it as perhaps the first step
toward finding peace and healing.
Hope
Beverly paddleford – 2000
“Hope” is ministering to women, as well as men and families, as a visual
reminder of the hope, healing and forgiveness that Jesus so lovingly offers
to all who have lost a child to early death for any reason…whether from
miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, accident or illness. Even those who have
given a child in adoption, are dealing with wayward children or are unable to
conceive a child, find comfort in the “Hope” monument.
This bronze sculpture can be placed indoors or outdoors. It is often placed
in a garden-type setting, where visitors can see it as perhaps the first step
toward finding peace and healing.
The Artists
Dr. Tim Peterson
Dr. Tim Peterson has pastored in his hometown of Owatonna, Minnesota
since 1981. He is the longest active pastor in the city. Dr. Peterson has an earned doctorate degree in ministry from Oral Roberts University.
Dr. Tim Peterson met his wife, Cherrié, was engaged in 3 weeks and married 3 months later. They have 4 adult children and 4 grand children to date. Cherrié is also a local church pastor where she is the care and counseling pastor. Together they have travelled the world planting churches in nations such as Jamaica, Norway, Russia, Philippines, Nepal, India, Africa, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Paraguay, and more.
God gave Dr. Tim and Cherrié the assignment to build the Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden in 2020. Although Dr. Peterson was not that involved in the art world, when God called him to build the Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden, he developed an intense interest in the world of sculpture art. After 4 years and $4 million later the Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden will open in August of 2024.
Dr. Peterson has designed and commissioned two bronze sculptures for the Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden with others being planned for the near future. His first sculpture he entitled, “The Finished Cross”. The
Finished Cross stands 40 feet tall, 12.5 feet wide, and 24 inches thick and although cast in bronze, it looks like it was made of wood. At its base, resting upon large rock boulders, are three 17 inch spikes representing the nails driven through Christ’s hands and feet, a 3 foot diameter crown, which had been placed upon his head for the crucifixion and the sign above Christ’s head which had been nailed to the cross. The boulder rock base also contains a grouping of vines winding themselves up the cross speaking of the fruitfulness of Christians who are living their lives for Christ.
Dr. Peterson has also designed what he calls, “The Christian Family.” The Christian Family consists of a family of 3 children, 2 parents, 2 grandparents and a cross. He shared his dream with renowned sculptor Beverly Paddleford, and commissioned her to sculpt his dream piece, which she enthusiastically accepted. “The Christian Family” sculpture was placed outside the front doors of the Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden facility for all to see as they enter the atrium leading to the garden.
Beverly Paddleford
Beverly Paddleford was raised in Ft. Washakie, Wyoming on the Wind River Reservation near Lander, Wyoming. She was brought up in an atmosphere of creativity by her father, Bud Boller, who was a sculptor and member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. He passed away in August 2012, leaving a rich legacy in Western and Christian sculpture. With his guidance, and being blessed with God-given talent, Beverly excelled in art. She studied art and art education at the University of Wyoming, but that education takes second place to the education and influence she received from her father.
After living in the Pacific Northwest for ten years, Beverly, with husband Monte, and their four young daughters, returned to Lander, WY in 1985 to start Eagle Bronze Foundry. It is an internationally recognized fine art casting foundry, which has produced thousands of works for many artists, placing them around the world.
Beverly Paddleford’s work, consisting of more than 100 monumental sculptures and many maquette-size works has been placed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Romania, Italy and Germany. For more information on Beverly’s work visit HopeMonument.com