Wood Carvings

CHANCEL DETAIL

• Rose of Sharon: the Rose of Sharon is a symbol for Christ. The Messiah is referred to as the rose of Sharon in Song of Solomon 2:1, “I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley.”
• Castle: when Josiah took possession of the Promised Land for God’s covenant people Israel, he appointed six cities of refuge to which a man, who had done wrong and was repentant, could run for safety. The Church is now a place of refuge for the penitent sinner.
• Oak Leaf and Acorn: the oak leaf and/or acorn are symbols of a mighty oak tree emerging from a little acorn. Although the Christian Church had a small beginning, nevertheless it grew in might and strength.
• Pelican: symbol of atonement: the pelican was believed to draw blood from its own breast to feed its young. In times of famine, the female pelican is supposed to tear open her breast and feed her young with her own blood. She died in order that they may live.
• Grape Vine and Leaves: the theme of “I am the vine, you are the branches” is shown throughout the carvings in the altar reredos and the altar screens.
• Lily of the Valley: a symbol of Christ the Messiah. The Messiah is referred to as the rose of Sharon in Song of Solomon 2:1, “I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys.” The lily of the valley also stands for humility and purity.

LECTERN

• St. Peter Holding a Key: St. Peter was a fisherman, the brother of Andrew. Both were called by Jesus to be “fishers of men”.
• Samuel Holding a Scroll: Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah, a family of priests. Samuel became a priest, a prophet, and a judge. He took the vow of a Nazarite, refraining from intoxicating drinks and following stern denial in other matters of life.
• David Holding a Harp: David, the greatest king of Israel. A man of many talents… warrior, musician, poet, prophet, saint, and sinner.
• St. Luke Holding His Gospel: The evangelist was born in Antioch, and became a doctor by profession. He is the author of not only the gospel, but the Acts of the Apostles, the primary resource for the study of the early missionary efforts of the Church.

NARTHEX OLD TESTAMENT SCREEN (West)

• Pelican: symbol of atonement. The pelican was believed to draw blood from its own breast to feed its young. In times of famine, the female pelican is supposed to tear open her breast and feed her young with her own blood.
• Adam and Eve: Adam and Eve, created by God as the first parents of mankind, are shown in the Garden of Eden being tempted by the devil as a serpent.
• Abraham and Isaac: Abraham, the father of faith, is shown with a knife used for sacrifices; and with his son, Issac, gathering wood for the sacrifice.
• Joseph and Pharaoh: Joseph is shown interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven good years and seven bad years.
• Moses and Miriam: Moses and his sister, Miriam, are depicted as leading the people in worship of the true God.
• Moses and Pharaoh: Moses is shown telling Pharaoh, “Let my people go”, as Moses prepared to lead the people out of bondage toward the promised land.

NARTHEX OLD TESTAMENT SCREEN (East)

• Ruth and Naomi: this portrays women of the Old Testament who survived times of famine. Ruth told Naomi “I will lodge where you lodge”, and she became the ancestor of David.
• Samuel and Saul: Samuel, the great prophet, is shown anointing Saul to be the first king of Israel.
• David and Jonathan: King David is shown expressing his love for his good friend, Jonathan.
• Daniel and Darius: Daniel is shown receiving word Darius to lead the people back from bondage.

COMMUNION RAIL (with detail)

The gate in the center of the railing remains open, except when communion is distributed, as a symbol that the Christian has direct access to God through Jesus Christ, who became our high priest. The needlepoint kneelers were made by members of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church for the 150th Anniversary of the parish in the year 2000.

• Rose and Messianic: the Messianic Rose is a favorite Christian symbol for the promised Messiah. The prophet Isaiah stated that the desert shall bloom as the rose at the coming of the kingdom of righteousness.
• Sedilia Frontal: the sedilia frontal is made of oak. There are shields aborning the frontal with the symbols of a door knocker and the symbol of a gateway to castles.
• Castle: when Josiah took possession of the Promised Land for God’s covenant people Israel, he appointed six cities of refuge to which a man, who had done wrong and was repentant for it, could run for safety. The church is now a place of refuge for the penitent sinner.

PEW SEDILIA

The two carved angels on the ends of the clergy sedilia represent the angels of scripture. Just as the angels announced the Good News of the Savior to the shepherds on Christmas Eve, so today mortal men selected by God as clergy, proclaim the Good News of the Savior to people today.

Towards the top of the middle panel of the reredos are carved shields, painted gold, red, and black. These are the coat of arms of the signers of the Augsburg Confession, the restorers of the faith of the Apostle and Prophets. The Augsburg Confession, signed in 1530, is the declaration of what Lutherans believe.

REREDOS MARTYRS

At the top of reredos are the wood carvings of the New Testament martyrs now in glory. The artist of this panel pointed out a “graying shadow” behind the heads of the two martyrs on the right. He stated they had painted the background to make the figures stand out, but changed their minds and removed the paint.

REREDOS CROSS STATION

• Worshipping Angel with Incense:
• Lantern, Garden of Gethsemane: the Lantern of the Roman Guard is symbolic of the betrayal of Jesus.
• Whipping Post, Pilate: a symbol of the trial and condemnations of Jesus Christ is the pillar and the whipping robs.
• Pitcher and Basin, Pilate: the pitcher and basin symbolize Pontius Pilate’s act, when he ordered an ewer and basin be brought that he might wash his hands clean of the blood of the Saviour.
• Purse and Silver, Judas: the purse with thirty pieces of silver, is another symbol for the betrayal of the Lord.
• Rooster and Crew, Peter: this is a symbol for the trial and condemnation of our Saviour.
• Garment, Cast Lots: this symbol refers to the soldiers who sat beneath the cross casting lots for Jesus’s seamless coat.
• Crown of Thorns: this very common symbol of the mockery of our Savior alludes to the crown of thorns pressed on to Jesus’s head in a mock coronation by the soldiers.
• Nail, Hammer, Pincer: the rough square-headed nails symbolize those driven into our Lord’s hands and feet nailing him upon the cross. The hammer symbolizes the driving of the nails and the pincers removing of them.
• Gall on Pole, Spear and Ladder: the ladder, pole and spear too are symbols of the crucifixion.
• Empty Cross: the empty cross symbolizes “it is finished”. The Lord had completed his mission of laying down his life in payment for the sins of all mankind.