The King-Johns Garden for ReflectionThe King-Johns Garden for Reflection, located at the rear of the Dexter Parsonage Museum, is nestled in a magnolia tree-lined garden, featuring a sea of white azaleas and crape myrtles. Designed with a circular walkway, symbolizing unity, it provides a quiet space for tourists to reflect on the teachings of two of Dexter’s most renowned ministers. Many believe that it was by Divine Intervention that those two ministers — VERNON JOHNS (1947-1952) and MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (1954-1960) — had consecutive pastorates on the eve of the modern Civil Rights Movement. They were men of action, deeply rooted in philosophy and religious faith. Rev. Johns urged his congregation to fight oppression by becoming economically independent; he believed that self-determination was the hallmark of a people’s claim to freedom. Dr. King taught non-violent resistance to oppression as a means of achieving social and political parity. Both men believed that the blessings of liberty were secured by direct action. In the serenity of this garden, you are invited to reflect upon six timeless themes about which Rev. Johns and Dr. King often preached, lectured, and wrote:
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