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The Kneelers of Saint Mark United Methodist Church
 The following was printed in booklet form to coinicde with the dedication of the needlepoint kneelers around the altar railing in the Saint Mark Santuary.
Saint Mark United Methodist Church Presents
Our Needlepoint Kneelers around Our Restored Altar Railing
November 2, 1986
0 eternal, God who through all the ages has been graciously pleased to receive the gifts of those who willingly dedicate their time, their patient skill, and their substance, we are bold to offer this needlepoint. May this work, being separated from all unhallowed, ordinary and common purposes, be consecrated to Thy glory and the blessings of Thy church.
Prayer From the Needlepoint Book in The National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
The Start
In May of 1985 our Associate Minister, Rev. Robert Brown called together a group of ladies and suggested a project to beautify our sanctuary altar with needlepoint kneelers.
The suggestion was met with much enthusiasm by the group and a meeting was held to discuss our overall project. It was the unanimous decision that the kneelers for our altar depict the twelve stained glass windows in our sanctuary.
Mrs. Augusta Horsey, of Art Needlework of Georgia, came with her artist to study our windows and make the measurements around our altar. It was decided that not only our windows would be depicted but also the four rose windows with a center kneeler depicting the sacraments making a total of seventeen kneelers-thirteen around the front of the altar and two on each side.
We received the approval of the Trustees and the Administrative Board.
In August of 1985 the designs were on canvas and ready for the embroiders to begin their work.
Thirteen dedicated ladies joined in our project. We met every two weeks at church to discuss our work, check our progress and enjoy fellowship.
The design is on 14 mesh canvas - basketweave stitch throughout - design painted on canvas some designs charted - approximate size of kneelers 33" x 13". The color of the background wool is ecclesiastical red in keeping with our sanctuary colors.
The Donors
Mrs. Granger Hansell was first to finish the work on one kneeler (she completed two, as did several others) and on a Wednesday night we showed her completed work and the canvases of the others to our mid-week congregation. It did not take long-for seventeen persons or groups to choose the kneeler they wished to sponsor. We were on our way. During the next few months many others gave donations to the Saint Mark Kneelers Fund in memory or to honor loved ones.
These gifts enabled us to provide brass name plates for each kneeler, publish the pamphlet, purchase our memory book and also to make collection plate silencers.
The complete list of donors will be placed in our memory book in appreciation for their generous gifts that made this total project possible
Value
The kneelers are valued at and insured for $5,000 each. The donations for each kneeler was $1,000 which covered the cost of the artwork/design/painting/canvas; the embroidery wool/continuing consultation with the designer. The tremendous amount of hand-work necessary to complete the kneelers-approximately 100,000 stitches per kneeler-is valued at $4,000.
Finishing
Our sincere appreciation to Mr. Remer Crum who did the blocking for all the finished pieces.
Trinity Furniture Company did the upholstery work. The material used for the filler is very important. We used 100% all wool pressed felt for durability & firmness. It will hold the shape of the kneelers and last indefinitely. We are indebted to Mr. Malcome Green and his able upholsterers Mr. and Mrs. (Fay) Riley Jackson for a job well done.
The Needlepoint Plate Silencers
The six Plate Silencers are stitched in petit point. The design incorporates the Cross as shown in all of the kneelers with the exception of the Sacrament Kneeler. The Plate Silencers were designed and finished by Emily Crum and stitched by Emily Crum and Joan Winter.
The Altar Chair Cushions
The cushions were designed by Mrs. Augusta Horsey, Art Needlework of Georgia. They were given by The William O. Winter family and Mrs. Emma Winter Johnson in loving memory or Mrs. Johnson's husband Joseph H. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson is the sister of Mr. Winter. She lives in Sarasota, Florida. One cushion was worked by Mrs. Johnson and one by Margaret Keefe and Bessie Louise Roth.
The Kneelerworkers were:
- Mrs. Remer Crum (Emily), Chairperson
- Mrs. Milton Roth (Bessie Louise) and Mrs. William H. Trimble (Grace), Telephone Chairpersons
- Mrs. Rees Andrews (Helen)
- Mrs. Hal Brady (Auverne)
- Mrs. J. C. Brooks (Carolyn)
- Mrs. Mary Butler
- Mrs. Chester Gray (Louise)
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- Mrs. Granger Hansell
- Mrs. B. F. Keefe (Margaret)
- Mrs. J. Sanders Pike (Mary)
- Mrs. J. W. Swann (Sally)
- Mrs. Bill Winter (Joan)
- Mrs. Emma White Johnson (Altar Chair Cushion)
- Mrs. Sarah Grennor maintained our financial records.
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Donors to the Altar Kneelers:
- Mrs. William Trimble
- Mr. & Mrs. Reew Andrews, Jr.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson
- Mr. Ovid Stephenson
- Mr. & Mrs. David Johnson
- Hill-Wade Sunday School Class
- Mr. & Mrs. Remer Crum
- Mr. & Mrs. Milton Roth
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- Mr. Melville Jamison
- Mrs. Louise Dent Graham
- Judge & Mrs. Thomas Lee Camp
- Mrs. Chester Gray
- George Brandon Family
- James Callaham & Family
- Mrs. Mary Upshaw Pike
- Dr. & Mrs. Laurence McCullough, Jr.
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Additional gifts to the Fund to complete the needlework project:
- Mr. & Mrs. James H. Bratton, Jr.
- Mr. & Mrs. Remer H. Crum
- Mr. & Mrs. A. Roy Hogg
- Mr. & Mrs. John E. Reed
- Mr. & Mrs. Milton D. Roth
- Mrs. Chester L. Gray
- Mrs. Richard H. Bennett, Jr.
- Mr. & Mrs. Dan Pattillo
- Mr. & Mrs. George W. Grimes
- Mr. & Mrs. Rees M. Andrews, Jr.
- Mr. & Mrs. William B. Harper
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- Mildred Neal
- Mrs. Hugh Howell
- W. Griggs Shaefer, Jr.
- UMW Group # 1
- Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Brooks
- Mrs. M.A. McDowell
- Mrs. J.J. Little
- Mr. Guy B. Gentry
- Mrs. Joel P. Smith
- Mrs. Harold S. Brady
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The Altar Railing
The original oak wood altar railing was part of the original building construction built in 1903, and was composed of three separate sharply curved sections surrounding the perimeter of the pulpit platform. The railing was designed so that it had a curved horizontal top member and bottom member with wood posts spaced on 191/4 inch centers with designed panels equally spaced between the posts. A narrow shelf was attached to the top rail on the pulpit side of the member, to allow for placement of empty communion cups. The ends of each top member were hand carved depicting an ecclesiastic design. The railing was constructed of seasoned oak wood- all finished in keeping with the surrounding traditional paneled wainscoting along the sanctuary walls and the irreplaceable oak pews located in the sanctuary.
The entire pulpit area reflected the picture of dignity, beauty, charm and grace.
About twenty years ago, the members of Saint Mark embarked on a very ambitious capital improvement program- one of the projects being the enlargement of the choir seating area. This resulted in having to extend outward, toward the congregation seating area, the then present choir seating area, and this in turn caused a further outward extension and enlargement "of the pulpit area. It was discovered that the curvature and dimensions of the altar railing would not match the curvature and dimensions of the new pulpit area. It was considered too expensive to re-build the original railing and, alas, the railing was removed and replaced with a more economical but very modernistic metal and wood trim railing. The three sections of the original railing were placed separately in two of the Sunday School classrooms and a storage compartment.
In August of 1985 the committee of Altar Kneedleworkers felt that the sanctuary would be further beautified if the original altar railing could be restored and replaced along with the simultaneous completion of the Kneeling Pad project. In order to accomplish this two of the three sections of the original railing would have to be reconstructed plus an additional railing built at each end of the pulpit area. The third section of the original railing could be used as is, but would require refinishing.
A small group of Saint Markers concurred with this idea and within a few weeks the Administrative Board approved the project with the provision that the work would be accomplished at no cost to and of the Saint Mark accounts. Remer Crum agreed to coordinate the total project.
Trinity Furniture Company, manufacturers of fine furniture, and who specialize in restoring and refinishing furniture was selected to rebuild the railing to the required dimensions and shape to fit the pulpit area, matching the original railing in design, workmanship and finish. The furniture craftsmen and wood workers at Trinity Furniture Company exerted a maximum of know-how, expertise, patience and willingness to accomplish the work. We are particularly indebted to Mr. Malcolm Green, Manager of Trinity Furniture Company for a job well done and timely completed.
Remer H. Crum
1. THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE SHEPERDS
The Medallion at the top of this window is the Agnus Dei Triumphant. The victorious Lamb of God in the standing triumphant posture carries a resurrection banner on a cruciform staff. The design is an Easter symbol. This window was made in 1909. The Kneeler was donated and worked by Mrs. William H. Trimble. In memory of her mother and father Dr. and Mrs. Edgar F Fincher and her husband Dr. William H. Trimble. |
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2. THE RISEN SAVIOR
The Medallion at the top of the window is an elaborate Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Used with a symbol or other representation of Christ, they signify that Jesus is "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Rev. 22:13) and that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)* This Window was made in 1909. This kneeler was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Rees Andrews Jr. and worked by Mrs. Andrews in honor of their granddaughters Elizabeth and Catherine Stadig. |
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3. SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME
The Medallion at the top of the window is a red heart surmounted by a white cross and surrounded by a yellow sunburst. Across this symbol of love and devotion is a banner carrying the title of the window, "Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me." This window was dedicated March 15, 1931. The kneeler was donated by Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Heard Wood Dent, who were active and dedicated members of Saint Mark. The kneeler was worked by Margaret Keefe. |
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4. LILIES OF THE FIELD
The Medallion at the top of the window is a fleur-delis. This design, said by some authorities to be the iris is a widely used symbol of the Trinity and also represents the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. This window was dedicated on May 17, 1956. The kneeler was donated by Mr. Ovid Stephenson in loving memory of his wife Dorothy Latham Stephenson, a dedicated member of Saint Mark. The kneeler was worked by Auverne Brady. |
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5. COME UNTO ME
The Medallion at the top of the window is the Chi Rho (XP) monogram representing Christ. It is formed by the first two letters of the Greek word XRICTOC (pronounced Christo). Although the Chi is ordinarily written X, it is turned here to take the shape of a Greek Cross. The money bag, crutch, and loaf of bread, appearing below the monogram refer to charitable works and donations in money, medical aid and food. This window was dedicated April 19, 1959. The kneeler was donated To the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson. Mrs. Johnson (Louise) died April 2, 1986 but the kneeler worked by Bessie Louise Roth was completed and taken to the hospital for Louise to see shortly before her death. |
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6. THE ASCENSION
The Medallion at the top of the window is composed of an ascending dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit* This window was dedicated April 19, 1959. The kneeler was donated by the Hill-Wade Sunday School Class in memory of their beloved teacher,. Dr. Bailey Wade, who taught the class for twenty-eight years from 1953 until two weeks before his death on March 28, 1981. The kneeler was worked by Caroline Brooks, whose husband Dr. J. C. Brooks is a member and part time teacher of the Hill Wade Class. |
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8. THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST
The Medallion at the top of this window is an infrequent way of representing God the Father pictorially as a crowned and bearded man. The more familiar Descending Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit appearing and affirming the baptism of Jesus, as we will note in the upper right of the window appearing above the head of Jesus, is used in this kneeler. This window was dedicated April 19, 1959. The kneeler was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Milton Roth and worked by Mrs. Roth in honor of their grandsons, Richard Milton Roth and David Douglas Ealy. |
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9. THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
The Medallion at the top of the window is a lantern, used in Christian symbolism to signify betrayal. The betrayers of Jesus arrived in the garden "with lanterns and torches and weapons" (St. John 18:3) The window was dedicated April 25, 1957 and was given by Mrs. Florence Duggar Jamison and Mr. Lewis M. Duggar in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Marcus Duggan, who were such active members of the church. The kneeler was donated by Mr. Melville Jamison in loving memory of his wife Mrs. Florence Duggar Jamison. The kneeler was worked by Mrs. Granger Hansell who is the former wife of Mr. Lewis M. Duggar. |
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10. THE NATIVITY
The Medallion at the top of the window is .an angel holding a banner which bears the phrase "Glory to God."* This window was dedicated January 26, 1956. The kneeler was donated by Mrs. Louise Dent Graham' in loving memory of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Heard Wood Dent, active, members of Saint Mark The kneeler was worked by Mrs. Granger Hansell. |
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11. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
The Medallion at the top of the window is a red cross Fleurie, one of the many variant forms of the cross. The window was dedicated December 9, 1928. The kneeler was donated by Judge and Mrs. Thomas Lee Camp to honor their daughters Gladys (Lulu) Hobgood Camp Hiles and Sara (Sally) Ann Camp Swann. The kneeler was worked by their daughter Sally Camp Swann. |
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12. THE THREE WOMEN AT THE TOMB
The Medallion at the top of the window is a symbol composed of a crown, two interwoven palm branches, and rays of light forming a Greek Cross. The symbol of the Cross and Crown represents the reward to those who are faithful unto death. Palm branches, referring to Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, symbolize victory and triumph over death. This window was made in 1909. The kneeler was donated and worked by Mrs. Chester Gray in loving memory of her husband, Mr. Chester Gray. |
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13. THE DISPUTE IN THE TEMPLE
The Medallion at the top of the window is the ihs symbol meaning Jesus. It is composed of the Greek letters iota, eta, sigma, the first three letters of the word for Jesus. The window was dedicated in 1909. The kneeler was donated by the George Brandon family in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Hal Carithers, dedicated and loyal members of Saint Mark. The kneeler was worked by Mary Butler. |
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1-E THE EAST ROSE WINDOW
The center Medallion is occupied by a crown and anchor set within a quatrefoil. The window is inscribed "In memory of Daniel Grant, 17241793, built the first Methodist Church in Georgia, 1787." This window was in place by 1917. The kneeler was donated in loving memory of Mrs. J. F. (Jessie) Callaham by-her family. Jessie as she was affectionately known was a dedicated and active teacher and member of Saint Mark. The kneeler was worked by Joan Winter and the Saint Mark Needleworkers. |
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2-S THE SOUTH ROSE WINDOW
The center Medallion is probably the most unusual and peculiar design to be found in all the windows of the church. A rocky cairn surmounted by a massive cross rises amidst the churning waves of a tempestuous sear. |
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3-N THE NORTH ROSE WINDOW
This window is identical to the South window and is its companion across the sanctuary. The center medallion is composed of a cross with budded ends and a crown These windows were in place in 1917. Both of these kneelers were donated and worked by Mrs. Mary Upshaw Pike in loving memory of her parents Dr. Charles Bell Upshaw and Belle Porcher Le Roy Upshaw. Dr Upshaw was a prominent and beloved Atlanta physician. He and his wife were dedicated members of Saint Mark. |
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4-W THE WEST ROSE WINDOW
There are three Medallions containing a cross and crown, the Holy Bible and an anchor. As this window is the one the minister sees from the pulpit, we thought it fitting to use the Holy Bible with the open page to "In the beginning was the word and Word was God."* The kneeler was donated by our present Minister and his wife Dr. and Mrs. Laurence McCullough, Jr. in loving memory of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Laurence McCullough-who were dedicated and active members of Saint Mark. The kneeler was worked to honor our pastor and his family by Emily Crum and all the Saint Mark Needleworkers. |
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7. THE SACRAMENTS
This kneeler does not depict one of the stained glass windows of Saint Mark. It is the Sacrament kneeler. The chalice is the usual symbol for the Holy Eucharist with the grapes symbolizing the communion. The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrims. Pilgrims used these shells as utensils. In ancient paintings John the Baptist is shown pouring water on Jesus' head from a large shell. The kneeler was donated to the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Remer Crum and worked by Emily Crum. |
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The Needlepointer's Prayer - Author Unknown
I pray, that risen from the dead,
I may in Glory stand,
A crown, perhaps, upon my head
But a needle in my hand.
The Needleworkers would like to say in the words of Kahlil Gibran, “Work is love made visible.”
Emily Crum
SOURCES
* Appreciation is given to Rev. Jackson P. Braddy for information concerning the windows which was taken from his book "The Stained Glass Windows of Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia - April 21, 1976."
- Designs for Canvas & Pillows-Art Needlework of Georgia, Atlanta, GA Augusta Horsey
- Finishing for Kneelers and Altar Rail Trinity Furniture Co. Mr. Malcolm-Green 630 Angier Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308
- Engraved Plates for Kneelers Marietta Trophy & Engraving Inc. 565 Cobb Parkway, Marietta, GA 30062
Our Booklet
- Graphic Design: Deborah A. Smith P.O. Box 532033 Orlando, FL 32853-2033
- Printing: PDQ Instant Print 2600 E. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32803
- Typesetting: Stage Type 603 Virginia Drive Orlando, FL 32803
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Sunday, November 2, 1986, by Yolande Gwin
Saint Mark gets gift of elaborate church kneelers
An interesting event is planned today at Saint Mark United Methodist Church. There will be the dedication by the pastor, Dr. Lawrence McCullough, Jr., of the 17 needlepoint kneelers given and worked by some of the members of the church.
The leader has been Mrs. Emily Crum, who has had the kneelers designed to replicate the stained glass windows in the church.
As a gift to the church, Mrs. Crum and her husband, Remer Crum, have had the original 1902 alter rails restored and placed back in the sanctuary.
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