28 September 2009

St. Paul's New Crucifix

given to the glory of God and for the edification of His people by Dr. William and Cheryl Gerber. This Crucifix was purchased through Concordia Publishing House. In many ways, this is the return of the Crucifix, since the original St. Paul's Church bore one upon its altar:



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pastor Weedon,

Magnificent. Reverent and beautifully crafted.

If I may ask, do you know if it was carved by one of the studios in the South Tyrol -- Demetz, Moroder or PEMA? I have smaller woodcarved crufix at home that is of a very similar style.

Christine

William Weedon said...

Christine,

I know it came from somewhere in North Dakota, but I know nothing beyond that.

J.G.F. said...

Beautiful! Congratulations!

We are blessed to have a "larger than life" crucifix behind the altar. I'll send pix.

J

William Weedon said...

John,

I love those larger than life Crucifixes. Yes, do send pics.

Josh Schroeder said...

I have an ecclesiastical pet peeve, I call it the artistically redundant Jesus. My prime example of it is the Luther's Seal pectoral cross you often see pastors wear. It's a cross with a cross on it.

But at the same time I acknowledge my youth, inexperience, and ignorance.

I'm glad St. Paul has a crucifix again. Are there plans for the Jesus statue also on the altar? I'm just curious about having Jesus depicted twice in such a similar way on the altar.

William Weedon said...

Josh,

No plans. The statue above is of the Risen and Ascending Christ (standing on the globe of the world). The crucifix upon the altar obviously calls to mind His sacrifice. Thus before our eyes:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

With the large paintings to either side, we also have our Lord as the Good Shepherd and knocking at the door also. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - you MIGHT just get the idea that it's all about Jesus at St. Paul's. :)

Anonymous said...

Pr. Weedon,

What happened to the original crucifix?

My parish, St. Mark's in SF, recently added a crucifix to the "high" altar. Right above it is a lovely stained glass presentation of the Ascension. For me it's wonderful to see those professions of our catholic faith when the presider raises the Body and Blood and says, "In Him, with Him, and through Him..."

Dan Pharr

William Weedon said...

Dan,

No one knows.

Josh Schroeder said...

That makes sense.

Chris said...

All you now need is an icon of the REsurrection on all the white above the altar or at least an icon of the Annunciation. That would be magnificent.

Congrats on the new crucifix; I hope the faithful appreciate it. But be sure to hide it when the Synod President comes around. Can't have crucifixes, that's too Catholic.

William Weedon said...

Now Christopher, I've never heard the Synodical President criticize the use of crucifixes in our churches...

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the new crucifix; I hope the faithful appreciate it. But be sure to hide it when the Synod President comes around. Can't have crucifixes, that's too Catholic.

A very puzzling assertion. Lutherans have historically had crucifixes in their churches and in their homes.

Christine