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The Chapel at Community Presbyterian Church |
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The Chapel at Community Presbyterian Church |
A 1994 survey of the church women determined a desire and a need to work together on a "hands on" project that would unify varied age groups in a changing feminine culture, two merged congregations and the factor of new members. The Women's Association perceived the chapel as an opportunity to accomplish this. A convertible room, stackable chair concept was replaced with a permanence when the acquisition of the chapel by the Women's Association transpired. Inherent in our projection was an always available meditation space. Thus, garden benches anchor a permanent pew structure enhancing the garden set.
The chapel was dedicated on Mother's Day, 1998, May 10.
The committee visited several on site locations to study varied technical wall applications of murals and marbleizing. A search for the right door encompassed many months. The floor covering was chosen to applique the florals in the murals. Women of the Bible were researched and studied prior to the final distillation which suggests those who are presented in the horologium diorama. Biblical topography and landscapes were reviewed. The need to expand space was crucial. Window views incorporating receding perspective increased dimension and solved the problem of opening up a small enclosure. Since many Biblical scenarios are set in a garden beginning with Eden, it seemed a natural evolution for the chapel. Stonework emulating the windows of the Woodland Church was incorporated as a memorial to the artistic interpretation. The colors were evoked from the stained glass window in sunlight and a backlight installation illuminates the window for evening use of the chapel.
Following the installation of the Chapel Committee by Dr. Jean Henderson at a Women's Association meeting on January 7, 1996, this statement of mission became our blueprint:
"To create a place for prayer and meditation; a place for refuge and comfort; a place for small weddings, memorial services, private communions, renewal of vows; a place of beauty, always available; a place edifying where vision may expand; a place for spiritual inspiration; a place for quiet retreat."
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Since it's conception through the various sequences of development, many hands have made their mark. The chapel is an amalgam of varied talents. Generous, abundant financial contributions have made it possible. This place, sequestered from the mainstream of traffic and church activities, will be always available. May all who find their way to this small upper room and step through the looking glass door, find solace. |
The antique chair was once used in the Ben Avon Presbyterian Church parlor.
The glass communion table expands the transparency theme of the glass door.
The tripartite angelic candelabra sustains the door heraldry.
The organ was a gift of Ralph Duff.
The clay plaque in the organ alcove memorializes gifts and celebrates women of the Women's Association whose spectrum of activities have advanced mission projects throughout many years.
The table cross, blackened in the Woodland Church fire, was cleaned and polished.
A CD player is provided for musical enrichment.
A plant stand is included to pedestal greens and flowers.
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Walnut stained, the door was resurrected from a row house demolition in a Philadelphia urban renovation. The beveled glass panel supported by a hand carved angelic wing span symbolizes an elevated gate. Cherubim and seraphic heraldry were a common church architectural theme at the turn of the century, correlating with the building date of the Ben Avon Presbyterian Church. The wood carved tetrad inlay traces a Gothic arch, the original building style, and the intricate cuneiform brass hardware, though not original to the piece, is historically appropriate. The glass panel has been tempered for safety. |
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"therefore, they called these days Purim, after the term Pur" - Ester 9:26 |
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"the child to be born will be called holy, the son of God" - Luke 1:35 |
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"Lazarus, come forth" - John 11:43 |
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"and they went into Capernum" - Mark 1:21 |
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"He had to pass through Samaria" - John 4:4 |
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"and she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds at the river's brink" - Exodus 2:3 |
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© 2007 Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon