A Secret Under Pullen's Pavers

Guess what? Thanks to members who developed plans and implemented the 2009 church expansion, Pullen has a cistern with the ability to hold 3,000 gallons of water under the pavers between the church and the chapel.

This cistern is currently being used to water plants on the 3,077 square foot Green Roof, allowing the garden to thrive despite ongoing drought in the Raleigh area and saving the church from paying for city water for irrigation.

The cistern continues to serve as a hidden but important part of the church’s care for creation and daily stewardship. By collecting and storing water beneath the pavers, it provides a sustainable source for maintaining the Green Roof plantings even during dry conditions. The garden space above, measured at 3,077 square feet, benefits directly from this system, remaining healthy and vibrant through ongoing drought in the Raleigh area.

Greg Bruhn, who has taken responsibility for most of the watering of the Green Roof, says that the cistern has never run dry as he has been watering the garden!

This quiet system beneath the pavers is an example of thoughtful planning from the 2009 expansion that continues to support the church community today.