Top needlepointed by Reed Jones and Judi Dailey.
Boxing bands needlepointed by Nancy Richardson and Susan Ory.
Wheat, as the main food product of Biblical days, symbolizes the full bounty of the earth. Wheat also represents the bread used in Holy Communion, and therefore the Body of Christ. In Christ’s parables, he also classified believers as wheat, while representing non-believers as weeds, or tares. 4
Reed Jones wrote: “I dedicate my little portion in memory of Mama and Daddy, Joan and Harry Ferran; ironically, one of the reasons I didn't have the time or energy to continue stitching was because of her illness. She would be so complimentary and enthusiastic about seeing them finished and being knelt on for communion.”
Judi Dailey dedicates her stitching in thanksgiving for the Grace Church family.
Nancy Richardson wrote: “I had always wondered how my grandmother, my mother and my aunts so patiently stitched the dining room chair seats, pillows, afghans and other pieces we enjoy now as family "treasures." This was my first attempt at needlepoint, and may be my last, but I am thankful for the renewed sense of kinship I felt to those important women in my life as I discovered how calming and satisfying such stitching can be. I offer my small work on the Grace kneeler project in memory of Mary Benbow Richardson, Minta Price Richardson, Mary Elizabeth Richardson, and Nancy Price Watt, whose love and example continue to enrich my life.”
Susan Ory was living in Charleston, SC and read about our kneeler project on the internet while searching for a new church in anticipation of her family’s move to our area. When she did settle here, she contacted Jane Oliver and took on a boxing band, even though she and her husband Jim now attend St. Elizabeth’s in Dahlonega!! Susan wrote: “The person that came to mind while I was stitching was my grandmother - my mother's mother - Mimi. Mimi was a tiny lady who converted to the Episcopal faith during her middle years and she was one of the most honestly devout people I have ever known. I remember going with her to Altar Guild at Epiphany in Atlanta and watching her stitch altar linens in the evenings when new ones were needed. While I never mastered the delicate stitches she used on the altar linens, I did have a very real sense of being "connected" to her - and all women - while helping with this project. As an aside, I don't know if I mentioned to you that I was married (the first time) at Grace in 1972. So the connection on this project was a natural for me.” |
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