A bench made of recycled materials has been installed in an environmentally appropriate spot, overlooking a pond along the paved Rodale walking trail off South 10th Street in Emmaus.

The bench has been donated to the new Chestnut Ridge at Rodale senior living apartment complex by St. John’s United Church of Christ, 139 N. Fourth St., Emmaus.

The congregation of St. John’s was awarded the bench by Trex Company, Inc. for collecting more than 500 pounds of plastic bags and other recyclable “soft plastic” within six months.

It has been given to Chestnut Ridge because the complex of 126 luxury apartments is part of Phoebe Ministries.

“We wanted to donate our efforts to a U.C.C. ministry,” Dr. Paul Knappenberger, pastor of the church said. “Phoebe has a 120-year history with the United Church of Christ.”

The nearly one-mile-long Rodale walking trail is part of the new apartment development, which is nearing completion. The trail will remain open to the public as well as Chestnut Ridge residents.

“We are so grateful to St. John’s UCC for this generous donation,” Karen Sinkovits, independent living manager at Chestnut Ridge said.

“This bench will provide an opportunity for all to enjoy a moment of quiet reflection within this beautiful setting in the heart of Emmaus.”

A plaque on the bench states: “Donated by St. John’s U.C.C.”

That plaque was inscribed and donated to the church by Donna Marks, owner of Emmaus Jewel Shop on the Triangle.

It is the second bench St. John’s has earned from the NexTrex community recycling program. The first bench is being used by the congregation, which plans to collect another 500 pounds of plastic in the next six months - and earn a third bench from Trex.

Part of St. John’s mission is to become a green church, one working to protect the environment. “God calls us to be good stewards of God’s creation,” Knappenberger said.

It takes 40,500 plastic bags to reach 500 pounds, according to Trex, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railings and other outdoor products.

After the plastic collected by St. John’s was weighed and reported to Trex each month, it was taken to the Weis Market in Emmaus, then shipped to Trex for reuse.

The Chestnut Ridge apartment complex is at 400 S. 10th St., opposite Furnace Dam Park. The walking path is next to the complex and part of the same property.

At least 97 of the 126 one-and two-bedroom apartments already have been rented. The first residents are expected to move in within a few months.

Knappenberger had given a prayer during groundbreaking ceremonies for the new development.