by Anne Fruge
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9 Upon stepping foot in Garrison Gardens, you will immediately notice the beauty of the land. The tall, strong oak trees and gurgling creeks are not inhibited by the twinkling lights and picturesque wood and glass reception hall; in fact, the natural and man-made elements entwine building the perfect backdrop for a place where dreams come true. However, the realization of the gardens was a goal that Chuck and Karen Guilbert knew was far beyond their own means and would depend on divine intervention. Chuck Guilbert grew up in a family that served and praised God. His father was a minister of the gospel and his older brother became a music minister. At one small-town revival, Chuck was asked to lead the worship. After that more doors began to open and God began revealing Chuckâs call to the ministry. He served in many area churches along with churches in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. He is currently the music minister at Highland Park Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas. âMy parents were amazing people who made the road so bright that it was easy to follow,â Chuck says. âI love my job, and I love serving people. I love seeing people develop their talents and gifts.â Chuck and Karen met in New Boston, Texas, and were married at First Baptist Church, New Boston. They have four children. Ashley Guilbert is a professional singer who sang and toured with Kirk Franklin for twelve years. She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she sings with Natalie Grant and Anthony Evans for various events. Heith Guilbert is married to Jessica and they have three children. He is the worship leader at East Bayou Baptist Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. Breanne Bradshaw is married to Colby. 68
ALT Magazine
November 2012
They have two children and Breanne works for CASA in Texarkana. Brennan Guilbert is currently pursing a music career in Nashville, Tennessee. Karen stayed home with the children when they were young. When the children all became school aged, she worked part time in the music office and as the church wedding coordinator for Trinity Baptist Church for several years. About 13 years ago, Chuck and Karen felt God calling
them to do more with their life. âWe wanted to do something our kids would know was beyond our ability,â Chuck says. âWe knew that the Lord would have to do it. The gardens are more than just a way to make money; they are making a statement that here is what the Lord can do.â Chuck and Karen felt God leading them to build a wedding venue, but they had no idea where to put it. They looked at old buildings in the Texarkana area, but it wasnât until a four-wheeler ride through nearby land in Genoa that Chuck knew where the gardens would be located. âI just stopped and looked at how incredible the land lay, with deep ravines, spring fed creeks and towering oaks trees, and I knew this was the place,â Chuck says. âMany people who visit the gardens say they feel like they are in north Arkansas. It is such a peaceful place. At this spot, two creeks that have been running at least 85 years meet, and couples get married next to this junction every weekend.â At the time, Chuck did not own the land and did not have the resources to buy it, but he met with the owner of the land anyway. He spoke to the owner and at that time found out the land was not for sale. âMy heart sank,â Chuck says, âAs we continued to talk I noticed a picture of his little girl in a pageant and casually told him my daughter was Miss Texarkana in 1997. He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and asked me if my daughter was Ashley. He informed me that his daughter loved and looked up to Ashley and followed everything she did.â At that point the whole attitude of the conversation changed, and by the time Chuck left the office, the owner was