Our pastor, Jamie Kenyon, had long wanted to add a fresh look and more color to our sanctuary which has not changed in any significant way since it was remodeled in 1960. Having been recently introduced to the art of "watercolor quilting"
by Amy Parker Doty, to whom I give my deepest thanks, I was intrigued with the idea of illustrating biblical themes in fabric.
The Bible is filled with visual imagery. I wanted to represent both the Old and New Testaments in these wall hangings. For the Old Testament I chose Exodus 3:2, NIV, the Burning Bush. "There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up." This passage has all of the requirements of color and drama. Brilliant flame rises from the still green bush clinging to Mount Sinai, represented by the dark, angular area at the bottom. It speaks of Moses' encounter with God and God's commitment to humanity, of a covenant, of God saying, "I will be with you."
For the New Testament I chose Mark 14:24, NIV, The New Covenant. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.'
It represents to me the love of God given unconditionally to all of us. Again, the theme offers tremendous possibilities for color. The New Covenant portrays not only the ultimate sacrifice in the blood of Christ but also his arms outstretched to us in love as the Cross takes on human form. In His blood we are redeemed.
About 250 cotton fabrics, many of them hand dyed batiks, were used for this project. With a rotary cutter, the fabric is cut into two inch squares. Each hanging has a total of 1,728 squares. They are arranged on a large grid and when a satisfactory pattern is completed the squares are then joined by machine. The entire process takes many hours because the selection and placement of each square involves a decision. It is extremely time consuming.
The finished three by nine foot quilt measured four by twelve feet before the squares were joined with quarter inch seams. I worked on four tables on the church stage because it was too big for my dining table.I began the Burning Bush in August 2001 and completed the layout in December 2001. The New Covenant was begun in January 2002 and the layout completed in March 2002.
After joining all the blocks by machine I passed it on to Apple Country Quilt Shop in Holley, NY where it was professionally machine quilted by a very talented young woman, Tara Thom. She followed my sketches and added embellishments bringing the whole design to life. I am very grateful to her artistry.
Amy Parker Doty, Mary Jeanette Ebenhack and Mary Lee Miller assisted in the hand finishing of the binding.
These quilts are my gift to South Presbyterian Church which has sheltered me and enriched my life since I entered its doors in 1948. It is where I have found home and family. The dedication on the Burning Bush reads "For All The Saints" and thus includes all of our church family, past and present. The New Covenant is dedicated to my mother, Ernstine Fischer, beloved organist at South for thirty-five years. Once again, I must thank Amy Parker Doty who set me on this path. It is my hope that these hangings will bring additional meaning to the worship service.
Ernstine "Stena" Rickner
