Top needlepointed by Karyl Evans.
Boxing bands needlepointed by Sheila Kelley and Liz Miller.
Karyl Evans shared the following: “ I have two people to mention: my mother, Mildred Lee Arn, and my grandmother, Lutie Lloyd Turnipseed Lee, (both deceased). These women did beautiful crochet and embroidery all their lives. They were my inspiration to learn stitchery and sewing, and I learned how to do these skills from them as a child. This so-called "pick-up work" for times of rest between the myriad chores that made up a woman's day or while waiting....for children, for menfolk, for news of family members' events...had a bonding effect upon those who worked it, shared it.”
“While I was working my piece for the kneeler project, floods of memories came to mind of nearly 35 years I have been kneeling in Grace Church, first in the chapel of the former Nave, interim services in the Parish Hall and currently in the beautiful new Nave: my childrens' baptisms and confirmations; my husband's confirmation; our children's little feet climbing the concrete steps up to the old church on Easter mornings; one daughter's wedding; funerals and memorials of dear friends; the parade of priests I have known and served; my years as Parish Secretary and Office Manager when Grace Church's first computer arrived and we began the member information database; the organists and choirmasters with whom I have served; and, of course, the metamorphosis of the facility several times.
I felt humility and truly honored to be working a 'cornerstone' piece -- the new building and steeple, a balance to the other 'cornerstone' piece -- the former facade of Grace Church. For me, it was a spiritual experience. I'm so glad we did it and that I was a part of its creation. Feeling beneath me the history and symbolism embodied in these beautiful kneelers will become a unique and special joy in communion at Grace Church for me.” |
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