By Ailsa Tessier
If you need some quiet or meditative time in any season, I invite you to reflect and meditate on all the works of art here at Nativity. Let’s look at some of the art we are fortunate to enjoy in our parish.
Probably the most prominent art we see are the many lovely works created by former parishioner Doug Smith. Doug designed and created our altar, the platform/broad step it sits on, the altar rail, lectern, ambry where the reserve hosts are kept, and the Stations of the Cross. Inlaid wood on the front of the altar depicts Jesus with arms outstretched, and stylized disciples on both sides.
Above the altar is a slim, elegant cross, donated by Peggy Wade, crafted by her cousin, in memory of Peggy’s brother Bob Sutton. The cross is made of cherry and weighs just five pounds.
If you enter the narthex through the double glass doors, turn around and look upward. You’ll see the Nativity symbol captured in the colorful stained-glass work of our late parishioner Bob Renfrew.
Our original liturgical banners were sewn and quilted by many of the women in Nativity’s early days. Those can be viewed in Corlett Hall, where they are still admired. Evelyn Judson, a former parishioner and quilt artist, designed and produced a new set of banners that we use today. Before Evelyn and her husband Richard moved to Colorado, she also designed and quilted a complete set for the church: chasuble, stoles, altar hanging, bible markers, and the veil covering the stack. In keeping with Nativity’s Zero-Waste focus, each of those pieces was made with scraps she had on hand. The flowers and trees depicted are found around the church campus; the chasuble worn by the celebrant showcases our historic oak tree. The floral screens are Evelyn’s work as well.
Also in Corlett Hall, you can view the simple cross high on the wall, below the window. Highlighted in soft blue paint, it was designed and executed by our former intern, and now retired priest, Melanie Mudge. This cross became the focal point for our original worship space.
David Johnston, a parishioner and talented woodworker, made our credence table when the old one became unstable. Styled to echo the altar rail, the lovely simple design holds the elements during each service.
Our choir members are artists of a different kind. Longfellow said music is the universal language of mankind. It is art given to the glory of God each week, a manifestation of the love the singers have for their creator. Listen to the way their music reflects the season and the readings.
Each week our Flower Guild members create altar arrangements that add beauty to our service. A great deal of thought and time goes into these arrangements, and it’s always a treat to see flowers and greenery from the church campus for this art.
On the wall is another prominent work of art, commissioned by a former parishioner and created by Joel Haas, former parishioner and artist.
The last one to mention is quite hidden but easily seen by those who want to bend down and explore! Look for a wee church mouse, designed and added by Carlie Sigel, daughter of Emilie and Carl. Carlie’s artistic talent also graces the Nativity cookbook “Sustaining the Spirit…with Heavenly Fare.”
We are blessed by these works of beauty within our church home…perhaps you’ll discover another way to pray during this Lent, in Advent, or whenever you need time to reflect.
For more information on the artwork at Nativity, visit the Music and Art page on Nativity’s website.